GenParenting

Parenting resources for all who love and care for children

College Students Work to Explore Careers

College Students Work to Explore Careers

Last summer EJ completed an incredible job of self-discovery as a camp counselor in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.) summer program at Stanford University. He worked with middle and high school students who were guided to the program through their parents’ selection or were returning campers who were passionate about the program.

What Students Can Learn Through Career Jobs

EJ found that it was easier to work with the high school students who were focused on exploring a career in S.T.E.M. occupations. These students were more engaged in the program and had more confidence when participating in various activities. Through these wonderful and challenging experiences, my son learned the following: [Read more…]

What Works in Urban Charter Schools?

What Works in Urban Public Charter Schools?

Youth Policy Institute Charter Schools (YPI) in Los Angeles County has met major growth achievements during the past two years. When preparing for our charter petition renewal, the leadership team analyzed extensive data and feedback from key stakeholders to identify what was working in YPI schools.

Best Practices

We identified the following five best practices:

  1. Our newly hired teachers are highly qualified with 15 – 20 years of teaching experiences and added years of professional experiences beyond teaching.
  2. Our teachers provide differentiated reading support and literacy instruction based on each student’s tested reading level. We have closed up to six years of grade level reading gaps in shorter amounts of time.
  3. Our teachers and students review grade level performance data daily to identify their strengths and weaknesses. This analysis helps students identify what they learn each day.
  4. Parents are critically important to their school’s success through varied levels of leadership involvement and engagement.
  5. Parents and their students are taught how to support each other in preparing for a specific career path that will include college and career preparation.

[Read more…]

How Public Charter Schools Can Partner with Your Kids’ Schools

How Public Charter Schools Can Partner with Your Kids’ Schools

Public charter schools first originated in the 1990s throughout the United States to meet the needs of underperforming students. These first charter schools were either:

  • Modified from existing public schools that were struggling to meet the needs of diverse students
  • Created independently through approved charter petitions from school districts, county offices of education, or the state

Current Challenges

In the last five years, public charter schools have challenged traditional school district schools in maintaining adequate services for all. Examples include:

  • Many charter schools have inadequate school buildings due to rigorous facility school district use and policies.
  • Traditional public schools have been challenged with declining enrollments that have jeopardized the service delivery for all students.
  • Private industry has tried to partner effectively with charter schools with bittersweet success.

[Read more…]

Summer Job Opportunties for Your Middle Schooler

Summer Job Opportunities for Your Middle Schooler

Summer time is the perfect time for your middle schooler to unwind, relax, and catch up with some sleep! While it is developmentally appropriate for your young teen to take a mental break from academic studies, the summer also opens the doors for gaining new skills, exploring new interests, and giving back to the community. In this third part of the “Summer Opportunities for Your Middle Schooler” series, we’ll explore the benefits of getting a summer job. [Read more…]

Providing Social-Emotional Support to Our College Children

Providing Social-Emotional Support to Our College Children

Many students struggle at various times during their college years with academic challenges and try to determine the next steps in their career paths. They may be burned out, overwhelmed, or confused about their academic progress. When they question their next steps, they may ask their parents for added support or guidance. Here at 10 tips for providing our young adults with the social-emotional support they so desperately need: [Read more…]