ARTICLES
Ann Dolin In the News
Ann frequently shares her insights into education by writing articles for local media groups. Here you will find a sampling of some of the articles she’s recently written.
An Inspirational Interview
AmericaSpeakOn.org
Over the last two years my tutoring company, Educational Connections (www.ectutoring.com), has had the pleasure of partnering with the Higher Achievement Program in D.C. Higher Achievement’s mission is to develop academic skills and attitudes in academically motivated and underserved middle school children to improve their grades, test scores, attendance, and opportunities – resulting in acceptance to college preparatory high schools. Our tutors prepare their 8th grade scholars for the Secondary School Admission Test, which is a required entrance exam for many private high schools. Most rewarding to me, my staff, and our teachers, is the positive contribution we make to helping close the achievement gap. Read on for a great interview with Marcus Gray, Director of Higher Achievement Scholar Services. His words inspire me – and I hope you!
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Implementing Routine and Structure
AmericaSpeakOn.org
Creating and maintaining structure in the after school hours not only eases conflict regarding homework, but also, as research shows, fosters academic achievement. Though it may not seem like it, children crave routine and structure. They like to know what to expect and what’s coming up next. Even though the school year is already under way, it’s not too late to implement an easy to follow plan for the after school hours. Try these steps…
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The Forgotten Curriculum
AmericaSpeakOn.org
In a time of No Child Left Behind, state standardized tests, and classroom exams, our schools are leaving behind perhaps the most important of all subjects – study skills. Over the last 20 years, I’ve seen this hidden curriculum stay just that way – hidden. Teachers expect students to have the right mixture of study habits to ensure success, but many students do not come by these abilities naturally.
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Start the School Year off Right!
Java Town
As the beginning of the school year draws upon us, it’s time to get our children ready for reading, writing, and arithmetic. But now, more than ever, larger skills are the key to academic success. Organization, time management and study skills, are important for children of all ages, and a lack of these skills is a real problem. In fact, “chronic disorganization is a real disability, just as much as a problem with reading, math or spelling might be.” (Mel Levine, Professor of Pediatrics at the Univ. of North Carolina)
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Why Reading is Not a Natural Process
Picture two students, side by side, reading a fairytale from a storybook. One student easily reads with expression and enthusiasm, “Once Upon a Time”. The other student slowly reads “On up a tim.” Both students live in the same neighborhood, have educated parents that read to them at night, and were exposed to literature at a young age. So why can the one read and the other cannot? Is it a fairytale story to think that reading is a natural process? The answer is yes.
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Summertime and the Learning is Easy
Washington Families
If you’re like most Washingtonian parents at this time of year, you’re relishing the days of summer. No more homework struggles, standardized tests, or jam packed afternoons of carting your children to and from extracurricular activities. The summer is a time to unwind and relax, but learning should not be discontinued. According to the Reading is Fundamental foundation, children who do not read over the summer experience a loss of reading fluency and comprehension skills. Students who engage in summertime reading actually gain skills.
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Homework Hang-ups? Here’s Help!
Washington Parent
Another school year is beginning. Are your hopes high that this year will be less stressful than the last one? Were homework battles common in your household? Help is on the way! This year can be different if simple routines and structures are implemented starting the very first day of school. Research in The Journal of Family Psychology shows that all children, even infants and preschoolers, demonstrate better behavior when there are predictable routines in the family. Believe it or not, children want and need routines.