Modern Parents Magazine English

modern
CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL
parents
modernparentsmagazine.com
Harvard
University
on
Family
Engagement
NFL Mom
Shonda
Ingram
Talks
Parenting
Volume III, Issue I
your resource for
2 modernparentsmagazine.com
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“We often talk about parents being partners in education. When we say that, we're
usually talking about the healthy and productive relationships that can develop between the adults in a child's life at home and the adults who work with that child at
school. I can't overstate how important this partnership is...”
-U. S. Secretary of Education,
Arne Duncan
6
14
Dr. Richard Elmore
Harvard University
Graduate School of Education
17
Modern Parents MagazineUnited States Department of Education
PARENT POWER Forum
23
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President
Dillard University
24
NFL Mom-Shonda Ingram
Mother of Mark Ingram
New Orleans Saints
Early Learning
P R E G N A N C Y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Promoting a Healthy Pregnancy
I N FA N T / T O D D L E R . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Early Years are Learning Years
HO M E - S C H O O L R E L AT I O N S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Developing a Successful Family-School Relationship
PRESCHOOL
Milestones
..................................8
E L E M E N TA RY S C H O O L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Becoming a Reader
MIDDLE SCHOOL
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tips for Middle School Parents
H I G H S C H O O L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Making Use of Helpful Study Techniques
C O L L E G E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Pros and Cons of Federal Consolidated Loans
9
SPECIAL NEEDS
Autism
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Becoming a Reader
M O D E R N E D U C AT O R
Mr. John White
......................21
PA R E N T T O O L K I T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Home Literacy Environment Checklist
E N E S PA ñ O L
................................19
CÓMO LOS PADRES PUEDEN PREPARAR A SUS HIJOS PARA LEER Y
APRENDER DESDE LA INFANCIA
E D U C AT O R S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0
Question-Answer Relationship (QAR)
M O D E R N PA R E N T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3
Dr. Walter Kimbrough, President-Dillard University
modern parents magazine
3
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Carol Alexander-Lewis
ADVISORY BOARD
Florence Townsend, Ph.D
Belinda Alexander, MD
Myrna Nickens, MD
Tammie Causey-Konate, Ph.D
Adele London, JD
Anthony White
EDITOR
Temia Griffin
ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER
Alice Wroten
modern
parents
CONNECTING HOME & SCHOOL
modernparentsmagazine.com
About Us
The mission of MODErN ParENTS
Magazine is to connect home & school while
building parent capacity and efficacy.
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MODERN PARENTS provides a fresh, relevant
connection between the academic world and
the parenting world by providing innovative, research-based parenting strategies and techniques. In addition, we serve as a valuable
resource for educators by showcasing Best Practices and the most effective instructional strategies and techniques. Exposing parents to
effective instructional strategies not only broadens parenting strategies, but also provides the
tools needed to ensure their children are receiving quality educational experiences.
MODERN PARENTS Magazine is dedicated
to increasing global literacy and enhancing the
quality of life for families in our society. Readers
gain access to information from expert practitioners and associations. From school to home
and all that lies between, MODERN PARENTS is
your source for the most innovative parenting and
instructional strategies and techniques.
MODERN PARENTS Magazine voices the most
pertinent issues and concerns of today’s parents.
By providing trusted information to our audience,
and featuring content that is driven by our readers, MODERN PARENTS is the premier resource
and choice for today’s parent.
We help parents make better decisions about
their most valuable investment ...
their children.
The lives of dedicated educators and parents are more similar than many may realize. Dedicated teachers view their
students as “their children.” They develop a love that is quite
similar to the love a parent feels for a child. Quite often, they
both view their children as children regardless of age or size.
This holds true for me, as well. Before having my biological
children, my students were truely my children. I affectionately referred to them as my “babies,” even though I taught
8th grade. I thought of, viewed and treated them, as such.
Regardless of the amount of time that has elapsed between
Chicago Bears offensive lineman, Lance Louis, gives back to the
community by hosting a school supplies giveaway and fun day
for families.
our student-teacher relationship, I think I will always view them as my children. This strapping
young man is one of my former “babies.” While this Chicago Bear is a tad larger than the svelte
frame he was when I taught him, Lance is still one of my babies. Afraid he would not recognize
me after many years, as soon as he saw me he gave me a big bear hug (no pun intended). I am
grateful that he still views me in the role I valued for so many years, because that is exactly the
way I view him and my other “babies.” They are one of the main reasons I started this publication.
Bountiful Blessings and Happy Parenting!
Carol Alexander-Lewis
Publisher
[email protected]
modern parents magazine
5
inFanTs
& Toddler s
Early Years Are Learning Years:
Helping Toddlers Become Problem Solvers
All parents and teachers have seen the unique ability of
toddlers to use toys and materials in unexpected ways. One child
experiences through which toddlers can make choices and decisions, and find different ways to manipulate the materials.
may turn a cup into a hammer or a basket into a hat. Another tod-
Other activities can involve materials such as clear plas-
dler may stand on a riding truck to try to reach a toy or pull over
tic tubing (such as the tubing used for aquariums) which children
a chair to climb onto a bookshelf. Observant adults recognize these
can fill with bright materials, and watch the materials move as
innovations as signs that children are learning to use their think-
they shake the tubes. If you provide inclines or ramps of wooden
ing skills to solve problems.
blocks, a toddler can watch what happens as objects roll down in-
Experiences in problem solving help children develop
side the tubes. She may discover that some objects roll faster than
curiosity and patience, along with thinking skills such as flexibil-
others. He may learn about actions and reactions when he sets
ity, and understanding of cause and effect. They learn to work to-
plastic bottles at the bottom of the ramp to create a unique bowl-
ward achieving a goal, and gain confidence in their ability to reach
ing game.
a solution. Even very young children make discoveries on their
(Whatever materials you provide, remember to be very
own. An infant who accidentally creates a noise with a rattle may
careful about choking hazards.) These everyday materials are fun,
then make the sound again and again on purpose. An older infant
and can hold children’s interest for long periods. They also help
discovers that by looking under a blanket, he can find a hidden
children experiment with cause and effect and with gravity and
toy. A toddler who can not pull a wagon up a hill by herself learns
physics. In addition to supporting cognitive development, prob-
that she and a friend can push it up from behind.
lem-solving activities help in the social arena, as well. Groups of
By not rushing in and rescuing young children who are
facing minor everyday problems, adults can help infants and tod-
children engaged in these activities negotiate with their friends
and learn how to solve interpersonal problems.
dlers develop confidence and increase their thinking abilities. It’s
By providing interesting materials and enthusiastically
also helpful for parents and teachers to provide materials that en-
reinforcing children’s attempts to explore and solve problems,
courage children to explore. Some toys, such as jack-in-the-boxes
parents and teachers can stimulate children’s development, pro-
and busy boxes, provide opportunities to explore simple cause-
mote advanced critical thinking, and help children take pride in
and effect relationships. Other common materials like empty card-
their own abilities to find out more about how their world works.
board boxes, plastic bowls, or scarves can provide open-ended
National Association for the Education of Young Children
6 modernparentsmagazine.com
www.naeyc.org
hoMe-school relaTions
Developing a Successful
Family-School Relationship
In this issue we continue our series on guidelines for
successful home-school relations.
Guideline 10: Clarify and summarize each important point as it is discussed.
Thus, both teacher and parent are better able to develop a
mutual understanding and agreement. Let's look at a conference in which a parent does a good job of clarifying and
summarizing a major point.
Teacher: Kimberly has difficulties with oral reading. She is
not reading smoothly and tends to read in a word-by-word
fashion. If Kimberly reads along with an audio version of a
book, her oral reading would improve. Can you provide Kimberly with audio versions of books?
Parent: Kimberly is a poor reader. Do you want me to make
audio files, or voice notes, of books so Kimberly can read
along with them?
Teacher: Yes, you can make audio files, but the public and
school libraries can also provide you with cd’s and dvd’s.
Also, I would like to clarify
one point about Kimberly's reading ability. She
has some difficulty with
oral reading, but I would
not classify her as a poor
reader.
Parent: Thank you for
the clarification. Kimberly
andI will work together on
improving her oral reading. We will check the
school and public libraries
for some books and
recordings.
If the parent had not summarized and clarified what was
heard in this conference, a misconception may have developed. By suggesting that she would record books for Kimberly, the parent was able to find out whether the suggestion
was appropriate, as well as learning about alternatives. Notice that this parent summarized the conference at the end.
As a result, both parties received the same message.
Join us as we continue this series in our next issue.
Standardized Test-taking Tips
1. Reassure your child that he or she does not have to answer all the questions correctly to pass. It is not expected that students answer
every question correctly.
2. Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blanks. There is no penalty for guessing, and students can
get partial credit on the open-ended items.
3. Remind your child that the test is important.
4. Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on a question, encourage him or her to make the best
guess or place a mark in the test booklet by that item and go back to it after finishing that section of the test.
5. Make certain your child gets a good night’s sleep and a good breakfast before taking the test.
6. Try to make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Do not add to your child’s stress.
7. Get your child to school on time the day of the test.
8. Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully.
9. Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early.
10. Remind your child that it is okay to mark in the test booklet as a help in taking the test -- i.e., underlining important words, etc. -- but
to mark all answers on the answer sheet.
LA Department of Education
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modern parents magazine
7
Preschool
Milestones
The following checklist, although not exhaustive, can help guide you as you prepare your child for school.
It is best to look at the items as goals, which should be accomplished, as much as possible, through
everyday routines or enjoyable activities with your child. If your child lags behind in some areas, do not
worry. Remember that children grow and develop at different rates.
Good health and
physical well-being
Social and emotional
preparation
Language and general
knowledge
My child:
r Eats a balanced diet and gets
plenty of rest
r Receives regular medical and
dental care, and has had
all necessary immunizations
r Runs, jumps, plays outdoors,
and participates in other
active pursuits
r Works on puzzles, scribbles,
colors, paints, and engages in other creative activities
My child:
r Is learning to explore and try
new things
r Is beginning to work well independently
r Has opportunities to be with
other children and is
learning to cooperate
r Is curious and motivated to
learn
r Can follow simple instructions.
My child:
r Has many opportunities to
talk and listen
r Is read to every day and has
access to books and other
reading materials
r Watches television when
monitored by an adult
r Is encouraged to solve problems and sort and classify things
r Is learning to count and plays
counting games
r Is learning to identify shapes
and colors
r Has opportunities to draw,
dance, and listen to and
make music
8 modernparentsmagazine.com
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eleMenTary school
Becoming a Reader
1
2
3
Every step a child takes toward learning to read
leads to another. Bit by bit, the child builds the
knowledge that is necessary for being a reader.
Over their first 6 years, most children
Talk and listen.
Listen to stories read aloud.
Pretend to read.
Learn how to handle books.
Learn about print and how it works.
Identify letters by name and shape.
Identify separate sounds in spoken
language.
Write with scribbles and drawing.
Connect single letters with the sounds
they make.
Connect what they already know to
what they hear read.
Predict what comes next in stories and
poems.
Connect combinations of letters with
sounds.
Recognize simple words in print.
Sum up what a story is about.
Write individual letters of the alphabet.
Write words.
Write simple sentences.
Read simple books.
Write to communicate.
Read simple books.
Children can take more than one of these steps at
the same time. This list of steps, though, gives you
a general idea of how your child will progress toward reading.
U.S.Department of Education
ed.gov
modern parents magazine
9
Middle school
Math Tips for Middle School Parents
• Seek help from the
school or teacher if your
child needs additional
support to acquire proficiency in the mathematics
being taught.
• Review the National Math
Panel’s suggested benchmarks
to monitor your child’s
progress toward the Critical
Foundations of Algebra.
• Algebra is much more than a
single course, and the way algebra is taught in schools can
vary greatly. Talk to your
child’s teacher about the algebra topics being covered in
class and how they compare
with the Panel’s Major Topics
of School Algebra.
• Learn about the classroom practices your
child’s teacher uses to
support learning mathematics. Ask how you can
enhance your child’s
learning outside of the
classroom.
ed.gov
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10 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m
high school
Making Use of Helpful Study Techniques
The following are useful study techniques
to share with your child.
Use a pattern when you read
When you read your textbook, take advantage of the organization. Read the table of contents for your assignment first, then read the introduction and conclusion.
Next, read the core assignment, paying attention to sidebars, items in bold, and other items. Go over the review
questions at the end of each section.
Outline, outline, outline
Looking at a textbook's page can be intimidating. The
hundreds of letters, words, and punctuation marks can
overwhelm you.
Relax
Think of it as a map. Take a sheet of paper and "sketch"
the map by creating an outline of your reading. Arrange
your outline in tiers, and soon you'll have your "map" to
a better grade.
Rewrite your notes
After taking class notes, rewrite them as soon as possible. Fill in any blanks you have, and prepare a separate
sheet of paper of the items you don't understand and
your questions. Meet with your teacher before or after
class, and see if he or she can help you.
Memorize with mnemonics
Mnemonics are a way to memorize complex items. The
trick is to take something complicated (like a list of state
capitals or the essential elements in chemistry) and create silly sentences, words, or phrases that prompt you
for the answers. For example, the first 20 essential elements can be recalled by memorizing this silly sentence:
"Howard Hughes Liked Being a Billionaire, but he Could
Not Often Fly Near Nebraska, so he Made an Amazing
Super Plane Sturdy enough to Carry him Across Kentucky and Connecticut." This mnemonic represents the
elements hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron,
carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, neon, sodium (Na),
magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorous, sulfur,
chlorine, argon, potassium (K), and calcium.
Study in groups
ed.gov
Gather a small group of classmates and commit to studying together. When you study in groups, you can answer
each other's questions, share memorization tips, and
challenge each other for answers.
Use flash cards
Flash cards are great for reinforcing information, but
only if there are fewer than 100 terms. If you try to use
too many, you'll just be overwhelmed.
Review and practice
If your teacher offers practice sessions or review periods
for big exams, take advantage. If there's more than one,
take advantage. In fact, take advantage of every opportunity you have to go over complicated material. If you
repeat the information over and over, it will soon become second nature.
AIE
www.AIE.org
modern parents magazine
11
college
Pros and Cons of Federal Consolidation Loans
Loan consolidation is an
option that most student
loan borrowers consider at
some point over the life of
their loans. And while the
reasons why a borrower
may choose to consolidate
vary, most borrowers consolidate in order to:
G
Combine multiple
loan balances under a single lender, so that the borrower has to make only one
monthly payment.
G FISL loans
G Perkins loans (formerly
National Student Defense
Loans)
G Health Professions Student Loans (HPSL), including
Loans for Disadvantaged Students (LDS)
G Nursing Student Loans
(NSL)
G Health Education Assistance Loans (HEAL)
G
Lock in a fixed interest rate for the entire
repayment period of the loan.
There may be disadvantages to including a
Perkins loan in a Consolidation loan. Please
Remember, however, that you are not required visit http://www.tgslc.org/borrowers/conto consolidate your loans. It is a decision that sol_faq.cfm for more information about this
you should consider seriously. A borrower topic.
seeking a Consolidation loan can consolidate
several different types of federal education In order to qualify for a Federal Consolidation
loans. The types of loans that you may include loan, you must be in your grace period or have
in a Consolidation loan are:
entered repayment on each loan that is selected
for consolidation.
G
FFELP loans (Stafford, PLUS, SLS, and
prior Consolidation loans)
Note: Borrowers may no longer request to enter
repayment on his or her Stafford loan(s) while
G
FDLP loans (Stafford, PLUS, and prior still enrolled in school in order for the borrower
Consolidation loans)
to consolidate those loans.
AIE
www.AIE.org
12 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m
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sPecial needs
As a result of her work with many families who
deal so gracefully with the challenges of autism,
Family Therapist, Kathryn Smerling, Ph.D., offers
five tips for parents, five for siblings and five for
extended family members:
Tips for Parents
Try to have some semblance of an adult life. Be
careful to not let autism consume every waking
hour of your life. Spend quality time with your typically developing children and your spouse, and refrain from constantly talking about autism.
Everyone in your family needs support, and to be
happy despite the circumstances.
Learn to be the best advocate you can be for your
child. Be informed. Take advantage of all the services that are available to you in your community.
You will meet practitioners and providers who can
educate you and help you. You will gather great
strength from the people you meet.
Appreciate the small victories your child may
achieve. Love your child and take great pride in
each small accomplishment. Focus on what they
can do instead of making comparisons with a typically developing child. Love them for who they are
rather than what they should be.
Don't push your feelings away. Talk about them.
You may feel both ambivalent and angry. Those are
emotions to be expected. It's OK to feel conflicting
emotions. Try to direct your anger towards the disorder and not towards your loved ones. When you
find yourself arguing with your spouse over an
autism related issue, try to remember that this
topic is painful for both of you; and be careful not
to get mad at each other when it really is the
autism that has you so upset and angry.
Get involved with the Autism community. Don't
underestimate the power of “community.” You may
be the captain of your team, but you can't do
everything yourself. Make friends with other parents who have children with autism. By meeting
other parents you will have the support of families
who understand your day to day challenges. Getting involved with autism advocacy is empowering
and productive. You will be doing something for
yourself as well as your child by being proactive.
Join us as we continue the series on Autism in the next issue.
Autismspeaks.org
modern parents magazine
13
Modern educaTor
Dr. richard Elmore
Harvard University,
Graduate School of Education
Richard Elmore joined the faculty of the Harvard Graduate
School of Education in 1990, having previously taught at
Michigan State University-College of Education and the
University of Washington-Graduate School of Public Affairs. He is a member of the National Academy of Education, and a past president of the Association for Public
Policy and Management, the national organization representing graduate programs in public policy and management. He has held positions in the federal government as
a legislative liaison with the U.S. Congress on education
policy issues. He is currently director of the Doctor in Educational Leadership (Ed.L.D.) program at the Harvard
Graduate School of Education. His current research and
clinical work focuses on building capacity for instructional
improvement in low-performing schools. He spends at
least one day per week in schools, working with teachers
and administrators on instructional improvement.
We are honored to speak with this illustrious professor
today during our time at Harvard University. We graciously
present, Dr. Richard Elmore.
Modern Parents Magazine: Hi Readers. We are honored to
speak to you today from Harvard University. Today we are
honored sit down with Dr. Richard Elmore. Dr. Elmore is
going to discuss some innovative strategies and techniques
as it relates to improving teaching and learning in our
school districts. He is going to speak to our parents, su-
14 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m
perintendents, district administrators, principals, and
teachers on a myriad of issues on today.
Dr. Elmore: Pleased to be here. As a parent and as an educator, I always try to keep in mind the number 16,000.
That is the number of hours we take out of children’s lives
for the purpose of school from Kindergarten through 12th
grade. And for me, this is a gift that children and families
give us and it should not be taken for granted. That is a gift
of time and it is a gift of their lives. In the best of all world’s
we would think about how to make the most of every
minute of that time. It is an important act of trust on the
part of parents and communities to turn their kids over to
this institution called school for that many hours over their
young lives. So when I see a child who is bored in school;
when I see an adult act in a coercive or punitive way toward a child; when I see school personnel use suspension
and expulsion as a disciplinary tool; when I see disrespect
I think that is to some degree, if not a violation, it is a compromise of trust, because I think of this as a gift that the
families are giving us as educators. The next thing I would
say about that is it’s our responsibility as educators to make
school the most positive reinforcing, productive, interesting, stimulating and engaging place for kids to spend their
lives, because they are going to spend a very large proportion of their lives in this institution. It is important for us
to be as clear and as transparent with parents as we can
about the things we’re doing with their children.
Join us as we continue this series with Dr. Elmore in the next issue.
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ParenT ToolkiT
CHECKLIST:
Home Literacy Environment - Is Your Home Literacy-Friendly?
As your child’s first teacher, your home is where your ___encourage my child to use correct grammar
child will receive his or her first literacy experiences. ___read with my child at least once a week
Literacy refers to the ability to read and write. These ___read with my child at least three times a week
experiences are your child’s foundation for learning
to read and loving to read. Would you like to ensure My child sees me (or a family member)…
that your literacy nest contains the proper eggs?
___reading books, magazines or the newspaper almost every day
The checklist below will help assess the foundation ___reading books, magazines or the newspaper at
for a home environment that is conducive to learnleast once a week
ing. For each statement that is true, give yourself one
point. Add your points. Review the scale at the bot- I…
tom to rate your home literacy environment.
___enjoy reading books with my child
___sang the alphabet to my child before he or she
My household contains…
was a year old
___alphabet letters, blocks or magnets to play with ___read books with my child before he or she was
___crayons and pencils available for writing and/or
a year old
drawing
___introduced letter sounds to my child by age
___at least one alphabet book
three
___at least one rhyme book
___ensure that my child watches PBS or reading
___paper for writing and/or drawing
shows/dvds
___a desk, table or area available for reading, writ- ___play learning cd’s while my child is in the car
ing and/or drawing
___encourage my child to play with computer
___beginning reading games
games that introduce and reinforce reading
___alphabet games
and learning
___computer learning games
___more than one rhyme book
I (or a family member) have…
___at least 5 books
___helped my child learn to sing the alphabet
___at least 10 books
___helped my child learn letter sounds
___at least 15 books
___helped my child learn to hold a pencil
___helped my child learn to write letters
___helped my child learn to write his or her name
I (or a family member)…
___helped my child to learn nursery rhymes
___have a detailed conversation with my child
nearly every day
___have a detailed conversation with my child at
least once a week
Count up the number of statements marked TRUE.
___teach new words to my child almost every day
Review the following scale to find out how literacy___teach new words to my child at least once a
friendly your home is:
week
25 - 37 Home literacy environment is healthy
___read nursery rhymes to my child
___go to the library or a bookstore with my child at 15 - 24 Home literacy environment is adequate
10 - 14 Home literacy environment is slightly healthy
least once every three months
0 - 9 Home literacy environment needs improve___encourage my child to speak in complete senment
tences
modern parents magazine
15
Pregnancy
Promoting a Healthy Pregnancy
What can a woman do to promote a
healthy pregnancy?
Many health care providers recommend that a woman who is
thinking about becoming pregnant see a health care provider to
ensure she is in good preconception health. There are steps a
woman can take to reduce the risk of certain problems during
pregnancy:
1. Folic acid – The U.S. Public Health Service recommends that
women of childbearing age get at least 400 micrograms of folic
acid every day, through food and/or supplements. Many health
care providers recommend supplementing the diet with folic
acid for 3 months before getting pregnant and at least the first
3 months of pregnancy.
2. Proper immunizations for the mother – Women who are
thinking about getting pregnant should make sure they have
been properly vaccinated for certain diseases that could harm
a developing fetus (such as chicken pox or rubella). It is important to get these vaccinations before becoming pregnant because they can harm a developing fetus.
3. Healthy behaviors – Having a healthy weight and diet and
getting regular physical activity can help both the mother and
fetus during pregnancy. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, or drug use
is also important. In addition, certain medications and exposures in the environment can be harmful to the fetus and it is
important to avoid them during pregnancy.
-National Institute of Child Health & Human Development
National Institutes of Health
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Florida Department of Education offers the following
Message to Parents
When schools work together with families to support learning, children
are inclined to succeed not just in school, but throughout life. The
Florida Department of Education recognizes that a child's education is
a responsibility shared by both schools and families during the entire period a child spends in school.
The following are just a few suggestions of the many ways you can be involved with your child's education:
v Contact your child's teacher early in the school year and maintain
communication throughout the school year.
v Participate in parent/teacher conferences.
v Ask the teacher what your child is learning and how you can support this at home.
v Talk with your child daily about homework, classroom activities, and
events.
16 m o d e r n p a r e n t s m a g a z i n e . c o m
v Learn about school policies and expectations so you can help your
child understand them.
v Make efforts to stay informed of school and classroom events.
v Model behaviors and attitudes you expect from your child.
v Encourage and nurture your child's creativity.
v Be proactive in making the school aware of your support for your
child's education.
v Talk with your employer about flex time so you can participate in
school activities.
v Establish a daily family routine.
v Monitor out of school activities.
v Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work.
v Express high, but realistic expectations for achievement.
v Encourage your child's development/progress in school.
v Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members.
v Be positive when talking with your child about school related activities.
Join us Facebook.com/modern.parents and Twitter.com/Mod_Parents_Mag
Modern Parents MagazineU. S. Department of Education
2nd annual ParENT POwEr forum
U
Carrie Jasper,
U.S.Department of Education
Distinguished panel of presenters: L-R: Anthony White, Sr.-CEO, Parental Involvement Exchange (New Jersey); U.S.Congressman-Cedric Richmond; OPSB School
Board Member-Ira Thomas; Carol A. Lewis-Publisher, Modern Parents Magazine;
Southern University at New Orleans Faculty: Chancellor Victor Ukpolo, Dr. Louise
Kaltenbaugh-Interim Dean-College of Education & Human Development, Dr.
Pamela Wanga-Director-Child Development & Family Studies
Panel discussion
on raising males.
Presenters:
L-R: Nolan Rollins,
CEO-Urban League (NOLA);
Shedrick White-New
Orleans Job Corps;
Gerod Stevens, Program
Director-1230 WBOK-AM
Radio.
HIGHEST DISTRICT ATTENDANCE
Rapides Parish Public Schools
Lottie Crockett & Kenya Bookman (Title I/Federal Programs)
coordinate attendance by parents, faculty & staff
Art students & Art teacher
from L.W.Higgins High School
Student art work featured at Forum
Southern University at New Orleans students facilitate
Parking Lot exercise for audience input
modernparentsmagazine
17
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Different Levels of Parent Involvement (DLOPI – pronounced de-low-pee) is a parent program with five modules
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child’s education, whether at school or at home. This
program provides teachers with a simple computerized format for determining levels of parental involvement
involvemen
by assessing the student’s
student’s classroom performance and behaviors as measured by the parent or guardian’s
guardian’
interaction in their education.
This dynamic training is a collaborative outreach effort by the Florida Department of Education’s
Education’s Bureau of Family
and Community Outreach, and Audrey Lewis-Potter,
Lewis-Potter, Parent Services Coordinator from Gadsden County
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“Building A Brighter Future”
18 modern parents magazine
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303 Bill McGill Road, Havana,
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Florida 32333
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.DLOPI.com
en esPañol
CÓMO LOS PADRES PUEDEN PREPARAR A SUS HIJOS PARA
LEER Y APRENDER DESDE LA INFANCIA
✪Platique con su bebé desde muy pequeño para que
aprenda a hablar y entender el significado de las palabras. Señálele distintos objetos a su alrededor y descríbaselos mientras juegan y hacen sus actividades
cotidianas. Un amplio vocabulario le dará a su hijo o
hija una gran ventaja al empezar en la escuela.
✪Léale a su bebé todos los días desde que él cumpla
seis meses. Leer y jugar con libros es una manera muy
especial de convivir con él. Escuchar las mismas palabras una y otra vez le ayuda a familiarizarse con esas
palabras. La lectura es una de las mejores maneras de
ayudar a su bebé a aprender.
✪Use sonidos, canciones, gestos y palabras que rimen
para que su bebé aprenda sobre el lenguaje y las distintas maneras en que se utilizan las palabras. Los
bebés necesitan escuchar el idioma en vivo de una persona. Para ellos los sonidos en la televisión son sólo
ruido.
✪Señale las palabras impresas en su casa y en otros
lugares a donde lleva a su niño, como por ejemplo la
tienda. Escuche a su niño tanto como habla con él.
✪Procure llevar libros infantiles y materiales para escribir cuando salga de su casa. Así su hijo se ocupa y se
entretiene con actividades divertidas mientras viajan
y van al consultorio del médico o a otras citas.
✪Establezca un lugar especial tranquilo en su casa
donde su hijo pueda leer, escribir y dibujar. Mantenga
libros y otros materiales de lectura al alcance de su
hijo.
✪Ayude a su hijo a comprender la importancia de la
lectura. Dé un bueno ejemplo a su hijo leyendo libros,
periódicos y revistas.
✪Limite el tiempo y el tipo de programas que usted y
su hijo ven en la televisión. Mejor todavía, apague el
televisor y pase más tiempo acurrucado al lado de su
hijo y leyendo libros con él. El tiempo y la atención
que usted le brinda a su hijo no sólo le ayudará a
prepararse para el triunfo en la escuela sino que también le beneficiará por el resto de su vida.
✪Busque bibliotecas y organizaciones comunitarias y
basadas en la fe. Estas organizaciones pueden:
★Ayudarle a encontrar libros apropiados para
la edad de su hijo para usar en casa;
★Sugerirle modos creativos de usar los libros
con su hijo y dar otros consejos prácticos para
ayudarle a aprender; y
★Ofrecer actividades educativas y de lectura
para los niños durante todo el año.
Source: In Homework Center
U. S. Department of Education
modern parents magazine
19
educaTors
Classroom Strategies:
Question-Answer Relationship (QAR)
The question–answer relationship (QAR)
strategy helps students understand different
types of questions. By learning that the answers to some questions are "Right There" in
the text, that some answers require a reader
to "Think and Search," and that some answers can only be answered "On My Own,"
students recognize that they must first consider the question before developing an answer.
Why use Question–Answer Relationship?
v It can improve students' reading comprehension.
v It teaches students how to ask questions
about their reading and where to find the answers to them.
v It helps students to think about the text
they are reading and beyond it, too.
v It inspires them to think creatively and
work cooperatively while challenging them to
use higher-level thinking skills.
When to use:
____ Before reading
____ During reading
__X_ After reading
How to use:
__X__ Individually
__X__ With small groups
__X__ Whole class setting
How to use Question–Answer Relationship
Explain to students that there are four types
of questions they will encounter. Define each
type of question and give an example.
Four types of questions are examined in
QAR:
Right There Questions: Literal questions
whose answers can be found in the text. Often
the words used in the question are the same
words found in the text.
Think and Search Questions: Answers
are gathered from several parts of the text
and put together to make meaning.
Author and You: These questions are
based on information provided in the text,
but the student is required to relate it to their
own experience. Although the answer does
not lie directly in the text, the student must
have read it in order to answer the question.
On My Own: These questions do not require
the student to have read the passage, but
he/she must use their background or prior
knowledge to answer the question.
Read a short passage aloud to your students.
Have predetermined questions you will ask
after you stop reading. When you have finished reading, read the questions aloud to
students and model how you decide which
type of question you have been asked to answer.
Show students how to find information to answer the question (i.e., in the text, from your
own experiences, etc.).
Reading Rockets
www.reading rockets.org
20 modern parents magazine
Join us on Facebook.com/modern.parents and Twitter.com/Mod_Parents_Mag
Modern educaTor
Mr. John White
State Superintendent of Education Tackles Reform
In order to present a comprehensive account of the superintendency of Louisiana
State Superintendent of Education, Mr.
John White, we start at the beginning
of his administration in the state.
Shortly after his arrival to the state of
Louisiana, being introduced by the Secretary of the United States Department
of Education, Arne Duncan, we sat
down with then Louisiana Recovery
School District superintendent, John White.
White shared his educational philosophy and vision with us. He also discussed his views, goals and priorities.
During our time with him, White spoke
about the importance of parents in the
education process. We will begin this
series with our conversation with White
while he was still at the helm of the
Louisiana Recovery School District. We
have followed White since his arrival to
Louisiana and will present (in his own
words) his views then and conclude our
series with his views and priorities now. Join us in our next issue
as we discuss White’s progress and vision for the entire state.
Modern Parents Magazine (MPM): Hello readers. Today we are
speaking with Mr. John White, the new superintendent of the Recovery School District. Mr. White is going to share with us his
thoughts on parental involvement and his views for the district
overall. We are delighted to sit and speak with Mr. White on today.
MPM: Hi. How are you Mr. White?
Superintendent White: I’m doing fantastic. It’s great to be here.
Thanks for having me.
MPM: It’s our pleasure. Let’s talk about your vision for the district.
White: Well, we’ve really been talking in terms of three things.
The first is excellence. The second is equity. The third is community. I’ll tell you why I think in each of those areas this is so important in New Orleans and in Louisiana, and really everywhere
in public education. One, when it comes to excellence there is
tremendous work being done in our schools in New Orleans. At
the same time, we know we have a
long way to go. I think we can get
there if we continue to have high
standards, continue to support
schools in getting there, continue to
make sure we’ve got the best possible people working in our schools
teaching our kids and running our
schools. Second, from the perspective of equity, I think it’s important
that all children have access to great
schools. That means not just hoping
that children end up in the right
school, it means having an enrollment system that actually ensures
that kids get in the right schools, that
parents know what all their choices
are and we don’t have parents going
to 15-20, applying to schools. But instead, that they have choices right in
front of them, that they can go
through a simple process and they
can make sure they’re making the
right choice for their kids through that process. Third, is the question of community. I think that means several things. One, it
means when we make decisions, serious decisions with consequences about schools, we need to do that transparently and in
the public eye. Second, that means we need to provide information
to parents proactively; about enrollment, about special education,
about issues that are affecting their lives. Third, it means that we
need to invite parents into schools. We need for parents in the
long run to take an active interest in and an understanding of how
well their child is performing, around how well we’re serving their
child, around what they can do to make change in the long term
future of their school and of their child. All of this is just to say
that I think parents are the engine of school reform. There’s no
way you can have educators like me, whether they’re from New
Orleans or not from New Orleans, saying this is what the reform
should be. It really is parents who should be pulling the reform.
They are the one’s that are closest to their child. They are the ones
who need to have the power to determine what the educational
future looks like for their child. And, thus, really parents in many
respects are the key, of course with students, to ensuring that we
have the best education system possible for our kids.
Stay tuned for the continuation of this series.
modern parents magazine
21
iMPorTance oF ParenTal inVolVeMenT
Dr. Constance Collins
Superintendent - Round Lake Area District 116
Today we continue our conversation with Dr. Constance
Collins, Superintendent of the
Round Lake Area District
116 located in Round Lake, IL.
Dr. Collins speaks with us
about the importance of
parental involvement.
there are signs of struggle and do all that you
can to create a positive
learning
environment
within and outside of
school. Support the school
and its efforts to move
your child toward higher
Modern Parents:
levels of achievement.
What advice would you
Communicate the im-
give parents to help im-
portance of a high qual-
prove their child’s per-
ity education to your
formance in school?
child and make this evident through your ac-
Dr. Collins:
tions within the home
Partner with your child’s
and school. Speak posi-
school, teacher and ad-
tively about the school,
ministration to create a
its leadership and the
positive learning envi-
adults within the class-
ronment for your child.
room.
As a parent, you should hold high expectations and
regarding
Dr. Collins has provided valuable information to
achievement to both your child and the school. You
our readers. We look forward to hearing from her
should immediately seek help for your child when
in the future.
communicate
these
expectations
22 modernparentsmagazine.com
Modern ParenT
Dr. Walter
Kimbrough,
PresidentDillard University
Since 1869, Dillard University has been committed to providing students with a quality four-year liberal arts education. Recently, Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough was appointed as the seventh president of the
university. Previously, Dr. Kimbrough served as president of Philander
Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. Known as the Hip Hop President, he is one of the youngest college presidents in the nation.
Modern Parents Magazine (MPM): Hi Dr. Kimbrough. It is our pleasure to speak with you today. Why don’t we start by talking about Dr.
Kimbrough, the parent. How many children do you have? Talk about
your role as a father.
Dr. Kimbrough: My pleasure. Our oldest daughter is 6 and we have a
son who is 3. Those are the two children that I can claim on my taxes
(laughter). When you work in education there are some that adopt you
as a parent.
MPM: They are fairly young.
Kimbrough: Yes. We are at the beginning.
MPM: Let’s talk about your routine, your parenting routine. How does
that look? Do you guys have a nightly reading session with the kids?
What is the hustle and bustle of the parenting roles?
Kimbrough: Yes, definitely. Well, they are both are in school. They both
started at an early childhood program. They are in school pretty much
all day long. In the evening, they come home and we have dinner, depending on who cooks (laughter). We do baths, then there’s time to
read. We prepare time for them to read for about half an hour each and
say their prayers. That’s a part of their routine. On weekends there are
special events at the public library. They may attend a puppet show or
story time. Our daughter now has extra activities during the week. She
takes violin and she’s doing gymnastics. Those are a few routines. Then
when there are things that are going on, on campus, sometimes they
end up coming to campus for certain things. Of course, they go to
church on Sundays and are involved with that, too.
MPM: Wonderful. Let’s talk about mom. Tell us a little bit about your
wife.
Kimbrough: She is an attorney for the University of Arkansas system,
so we both have pretty engaged jobs. She is very active with students,
particularly those who want to go to law school. She is also involved
with churches. She helps coordinate the nursery program during church
Join us on Facebook.com/modern.parents and Twitter.com/Mod_Parents_Mag
services. She has found a lot of ways to get involved and work with students, so she’s got all those sets of students that have her as a mother
figure, as well. We juggle together, and with our own [children] we’re
trying really hard. It works well for us. We blend it all together, church,
the college and our own kids. It works well.
MPM: There commonly wouldn’t appear to be a connection between
parental involvement and higher education, but do you see a connection
there at all? Do you see a connection between parental involvement and
higher education?
Kimbrough: Oh, yes. I think in terms of students starting to value education and learning, the earlier they start makes it easier for them to
become confident in themselves as students so higher education is
something they can inspire to and be successful. I will use our daughter, for example. My daughter is in kindergarten and is reading at the
2nd and 3rd grade level. She has been reading since she was 4. In her
case, she just has this academic confidence about her. When they do
new things she’s not afraid to try because she enjoys learning and being
engaged intellectually. She is a 6-year old so she likes to play, too. But
she has a level of confidence because we do basic things like reading
everyday for half an hour each, and using free resources. People say,
“Well, you know, if you have money it’s easy to do things, right?” Yeah,
but the library is free. You can get a library card and check out as many
books as you want and use the resources at the library. We have to create an environment and a culture that values education.
MPM: You are getting into what we would like to hear from you. If you
could give parents some advice on how to prepare their children for
higher education, what advice would you give?
Kimbrough: Don't wait until the last minute in terms of focusing on education. If they are younger, expose them to a lot of books, make sure
that they read every day, and that you read to them. At the same time,
begin saving up money by using 529 plans so that you bring some
money to the table. The best case scenario is that you’ve done all the
little things from the very beginning so that they can go to school for free
on a scholarship. Then they can use the money that you’ve saved in that
529 plan, etc. for other uses such as graduate school or a down payment on a home. Start saving money when they are born for college,
whether they need it or not. Start saving immediately. We will also do
all the little things. Our kids are going to hear the word scholarship all
the time. They are going to understand that I expect them to go to
school for free and that we can use that money for something else.
That’s the goal.
modern parents magazine
23
Modern ParenT
SHONDA INGRAM
Mark Ingram poses for photographs with guests, including his mother Shonda, left, and uncle William Nelson, rear
left, after he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the NFL football draft in New York.
“Heisman Trophy winner.”
“Hard-nosed runner who punishes opposing defenses with a formidable combination of power and speed.”
This is how the New Orleans Saints describe the 5’10, 215 lb. running
back, Mark Ingram.
“Outstanding young man. Wonderful humanitarian who has dedicated his time & talents off the field to help today’s youth through the
Mark Ingram Youth Foundation.”
This is how Dr. Suzanne Mayo-Theus, Assistant Professor, Child Development & Family Studies, Southern University at New Orleans describes him.
“Son.”
This is how the most important woman in his life describes him.
Today we speak with Mrs. Shonda Ingram about her only son. This
school social worker shares memories of the formative years of the
child that would go on to become a member of the National Football
League.
mother, cousins, everybody lives here. They were the support group
in raising the kids.
MPM: How was Mark as a child?
Ingram: Mark was active. He played everything. He did Tae Kwon Do,
swimming, golf, basketball, T-ball, and soccer. He played flag football
at 4 and tackle football at 8. His passion for football came about when
he played tackle football at 8. But he started to really love the game in
middle school. His love for football just grew and grew and grew. When
he was in middle school he used to tell me, “I’m going to get a scholarship in football.” Mark loved the game and when you love something
you work really hard at it so you can be the best; and that is what he
did. However, at one point, he thought he was going to play basketball. He thought he was going to be the next Michael Jordan, but he is
only 5'10.
MPM: My son is concerned about how tall he will grow because he
loves football, as well, but does not know how much he will grow. He
was disappointed when the pediatrician projected his height at 6’0.
Ingram: Tell your son it doesn't matter how tall you are.
Modern Parents Magazine (MPM): Hi Mrs. Ingram. Thank you for
taking the time to talk to our readers today. How are you?
S. Ingram: Fine, thank you.
MPM: So tell us a little bit about Mr. Ingram.
Ingram: Well, Mark is the oldest. He’s our only son. We have 3 daughters, so he has 3 sisters.
MPM: Where were the children raised? Where did Mark grow up?
Ingram: He grew up in Michigan. We stayed in Florida for 10-12 years,
before we moved back to Michigan. I was born and raised here [Michigan.] This is my home. All of my family is here. My mother, grand-
MPM: Will do. Thanks. He will be happy to hear that.
MPM: I know one question everyone is going to want to know is: How
do you raise an NFL player? How do you raise a child that eventually
makes it to the NFL? I think people want to know what that looks like,
if there are any secrets to it.
Ingram: (Laughter) No secrets. You raise them just as you raise any
other child. You just give them structure and discipline. Have rules in
your home. I disciplined him when he did wrong. Teach them right
from wrong. Pray and have a strong faith. Everything didn’t just happen. Strong discipline, structure and believing in the higher power,
that’s how I raised him. Know right from wrong, follow rules, be respectful.
We will continue our conversation with Mrs. Ingram in our next issue.
24 modernparentsmagazine.com
D
STE
E
GG S
SU USE
MODErN ParENTS Magazine
•Focus on one article at a time. Create a parent interaction system that
allows parents to respond to the most helpful components of the magazine.
•Designate one article as the topic of discussion at your parent meetings.
•Create a parent quiz based on articles.
•Have students share how MPM strategies are used, and/or the differences they are making at home.
•Name one parent an “Expert” in a designated topic after she/he reads
and creates a parent activity revolving around an MPM strategy or technique.
•MPM is a must for all parent rooms and PTO/PTA’s.
•Designate a section in your school to reflect how MPM strategies are
used at home, thus showcasing active home-school interaction.
•Place a copy of MPM on the office counter and in the teacher’s lounge.
•Cite MPM data in school newsletters and correspondences.
•Have a Parent Quiz Bowl or MPM-related activity at your next PTO
meeting for a refreshing change of pace.
•Compile parent and/or teacher suggestions on innovative ways to use
the publication. Submit your suggestions to MPM for possible publication. Imagine having your school featured in a national publication.
•Use MPM to nurture, develop or support parent writers; include teachers and students, as well. Submit for possible publication. Be sure to
indicate your school.
•Log the topics/articles that garner the greatest response. Document
the greatest area of growth in your parents.
•Use MPM content during Family Night activities. The use of MPM in
your school sends the message that your school supports its parents
and is dedicated to developing well-informed parents.
•Use MPM to highlight exceptional parents and special events or
achievements.
•Display a Parent Enlightenment or Parent Growth Chart in your school
to showcase areas of parental growth or enlightenment.
•List MPM in your School Improvement Plan. It meets parent/family
involvement requirements.
Contact us for additional uses for MODERN PARENTS Magazine
SAVINGS: The Solution for Families During Turbulent Economic Times
aMErICa SAVES
Many parents want to start saving, but aren’t sure how to start and in
some cases actually are concerned that putting away a few bucks a month
won’t really make a difference.
with Operation HOPE (a national partner of America Saves – www.operation HOPE.org) and looks forward to graduating debt free with a
hefty savings account for her family and herself.
Consider this: START SMALL and THINK BIG! That is the new challenge from America Saves, a national campaign promoting savings and
building wealth among the youngest to the oldest Americans in all states,
town and cities across America, on college campuses and in K-12
schools(www.americasaves.org). That’s the point professors at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), Department of Child Development and Family Studies (CDFS) in the College of Education and Human
Development emphasized in sponsoring the “SUNO SAVES” campaign
under the umbrella of LOUISIANA SAVES promoting savings across the
state.
Dr. Louise Kaltenbaugh, Interim Dean, College of Education and Human
Development at SUNO said, “I encourage all the students who will become teachers to save their money and to invest in their future as it helps
them become great leaders in preparing today’s children for the real
world.”
Imagine if you started a savings account with just $70 and deposited $70
a month, earning 3.5% interest compounded monthly. In 25 years, you
would have $33,667.44. That’s money that can be used for the downpayment on a home, retirement, or to keep as a cushion for the future.
That’s the important point Dr. Suzanne Mayo-Theus, CDSF Professor
at SUNO and Volunteer Coordinator of Louisiana Saves stresses to her
students as she challenged them to make savings a priority in their families. Her department chair, Dr. Pamela Wanga, Dr. Sherry Bachus, Ms.
Celina Carson and Dr. Diane Bordenave have committed to infusing this
savings campaign in their consumer sciences curriculum in their Family Studies courses. One of the CDFS students, Neron North, conducted
in class research to determine how much her classmates were saving for
the future. She said, “I am committed to making sure that my family
and all SUNO students learn the importance of savings and getting out
of debt.” She has completed the 12-week training on Entrepreneurship
Join us on Facebook.com/modern.parents and Twitter.com/Mod_Parents_Mag
Mayo-Theus offers 5 WAYS FOR PARENTS TO SAVE during these tough
times:
1.
Prepare a realistic budget and stick to it. START SMALL but
THINK BIG!!!
2.
Don’t look back at your mistakes with money, just look ahead
and think positively.
3.
Write down each day what you spend. Review your expenses
regularly and see where you can cut down. Make an assessment
of your income and expenses, see where you are now and
where you can go in 3, 6 and even 12 months from now. Be patient with your saving habits.
4.
Put all excess change in the bank; start with a jar in your room.
Each day try to put change aside and encourage your family
members, including children to put their change in a piggy
bank, too.
5.
Contribute pre-tax dollars to your 401K plan because usually
you will not miss money you cannot see. Contribute consistently if you can. If not, just start saving. Also consider adding
an additional source of income if you have a talent…determine
what you are good at and do it well….start a small business.
modern parents magazine
25
The Parent Voice Matters
Parent leadership is good for child outcomes.
When parents acquire the civic tools they need
to lead, they are able to improve the health,
safety and learning of children.
know how to involve parents in policy or community plans. And most parents do not see
themselves as an important constituency. This
creates an unfortunate gap.
For example, research shows that engaged parents improve children’s
grades, school retention, and continuation
to college and career.
In health, engaged parents actually decrease
the overall costs of
health care. According
to demographer Harold
Hodgkinson, civic engagement is the number one indicator for a
safe community.
The good news is that there are a growing
number of parent leadership initiatives. Such programs teach parents how
to ask the right questions,
understand policy, speak
publicly and work together. This is a different
kind of parent education.
It offers hope, empowerment and the civic skills
necessary to enter public
life.
For example, in the ParConsumer involvement
ent Leadership Training
from parents truly benInstitute, graduates sit on
Parent
Leadership
Training
Institute
efits children’s proschool readiness and
A Connecticut Commission on Children Civic Leadership Initiative
grams and policies
youth councils, have alalike. Parent leadertered city and state
ship can improve probudget allocations, craftgram quality, expand
ed and witnessed passage
social networks, bolof law and are committee
ster diversity on multimembers overseeing
ple levels, increase family access to services school excellence in partnership with teachers
and enrich public awareness of children’s is- and school leaders. Parents have gone back to
sues. The family is the number one customer school, changed jobs and found that civic purand consumer of children’s programs and poli- pose also influenced their sense of personal
choices and gains.
cies.
Yet, most agencies and policy institutes do not
Join us as we continue this article in our next issue.
For information on parent leadership opportunities, contact the National Parent Leadership Training Institute at
860-240-0018 or contact Elaine Zimmerman: [email protected]
26
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27
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