School and Achievement Schools

Achievement

Careers, Work, and Retirement

Contemporary Approaches to Student Learning and Assessment

Constructivist Approach: (Piaget)◦ Emphasizes child’s active construction of knowledge and

understanding◦ Teacher provides support for students exploring their world

and developing knowledge.

Social constructivist approaches: (Vygotsky)◦ Focuses on collaboration with others to produce knowledge

and understanding.

Direct Instruction Approach:

◦ Teacher-centered approach characterized by direction and

control, mastery of academic material, maximum time spend

on learning tasks, and high expectations of progress.

Schools

Accountability in Schools

No Child Left Behind:◦ Single score being used as sole predictor

◦ Teaching to test; use of memorization◦ Tests don’t measure important skills like creativity and social skills

Schools

Schools and Developmental Status

The child-centered kindergarten:◦ Emphasizes the whole child, physical, cognitive,

socioemotional development◦ Needs, interests, and learning style◦ Emphasizes learning process

Montessori approach:◦ Teacher is facilitator◦ Children encouraged to be early decision makers◦ Fosters independence and cognitive development skills◦ De-emphasizes verbal interactions

Schools

High School

Concerns about education and students:

◦ Graduate with inadequate skills

◦ Enter college needing remediation classes

Schools

Trends in High School Dropout Rates

Schools

Year

Perc

en

t of

16-

to 2

4-y

ear-

old

s w

ho

have

dro

pp

ed o

ut

of

school

20001992

10

199619881984198019760

5

20

25

30

35

40

15

1972

Educating Children with Disabilities

Approximately 10 percent of children in the U.S. receive special education or related services

More than 40% have a learning disability

Schools

Diversity of Children Who Have A Disability

Learning Disabilities Learning disability characteristics:

◦ A minimum IQ level

◦ A significant difficulty in a school-related area

◦ No other conditions, such as- severe emotional disorders second-language background sensory disabilities specific neurological deficits

Schools

Learning Disabilities

Dyslexia

◦ Severe impairment in ability to read and spell.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

◦ Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity

◦ Definitive causes unknown

◦ Higher risk if a sibling already diagnosed

◦ Medications are most common treatment

◦ Other treatment recommendations vary

Schools

SES and Ethnicity in Schools

Low-income, ethnic minority children face more difficulties in school

School inequalities-◦ Schools in poor areas

underfunded young inexperienced teachers largely segregated

◦ Inadequate opportunities for

effective learning

Schools

Work in Adolescence

U.S. high school students-

◦ 90% receive high school diplomas

◦ 75% work part-time and attend school

◦ Most work 16-20 hours per week

◦ Most work in service jobs

Careers, Work, and Retirement

Changing Percentages of Traditional & Dual-Career Couples

Careers, Work, and Retirement