School and Achievement Schools Achievement Careers, Work, and Retirement

Contemporary Approaches to Student Learning and Assessment Schools 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.

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 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

High School Concerns about education and students: Schools High School Concerns about education and students: Graduate with inadequate skills Enter college needing remediation classes

Trends in High School Dropout Rates Schools Trends in High School Dropout Rates Year Percent of 16- to 24-year-olds who have dropped out of school 2000 1992 10 1996 1988 1984 1980 1976 5 20 25 30 35 40 15 1972

Educating Children with Disabilities Schools 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

Diversity of Children Who Have A Disability

Learning Disabilities Schools 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

Learning Disabilities 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

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

Work in Adolescence U.S. high school students- Careers, Work, and Retirement 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

Changing Percentages of Traditional & Dual-Career Couples Careers, Work, and Retirement Changing Percentages of Traditional & Dual-Career Couples