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 RatesSchools

Year

Perc

ent o

f 16-

to 2

4-ye

ar-o

lds w

ho

have

dro

pped

out

of s

choo

l

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