Y3K Tutor In Your Home

ALICE School Security Controversy

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After the Newtown, CT school shootings, schools have had to beef up security. Besides cameras and locked doors, some schools are turning to a new controversial method to keep our kids safe. Some school systems are turning to ALICE (Alert-Lockdown-Inform-Counter-Evacuate) which is a training program offered by a Texas based company that promotes alternatives to staying put when a gunman enters a school. Tomorrow we will uncover details about this controversial program.

Common Core Math Controversy

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One major Common Core change is in the pace of math taught in the early grades. Teachers now cover fewer topics but in greater depth. The goal is to achieve mastery of the basics early on. The theory is that previously schools throughout America taught too much, too soon. The controversy lies in the fact that for some advanced students they are in essence being held back from their full potential. Some can learn more quickly than others and this system appears to teach to the middle. What do you think?

PARCC Test Score Results

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After students complete the new PARCC test trial run in the spring of 2014, the test results will not be released to students or parents. In fact the results will not count toward state or federal school district grades. Apparently the test results will only be used by state officials when they vote in the fall of 2015 on whether to adopt the new PARCC tests permanently.

Tune in tomorrow to find out how the tests will be given out.

PARCC Test Spring 2014

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The country is getting ready for new nationwide tests to measure student performance. Coming soon will be a trial run of the new national standardized test called Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC). About 2/3 of MA’s schools have been chosen to participate in the PARCC trial next spring. This includes the Y3K Tutor In Your Home communities of Natick and Weston. The full list of schools participating in the trial run have not been released yet as some are still being chosen and notified.

Check back here tomorrow for how the MCAS 10th grade graduation requirement will be handled.

Common Core State Standards Initiative Major Changes: Standardized Tests

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The Common Core State Standards Initiative will trigger a higher level of critical thinking and deeper understanding into your child’s curriculum. There will also be a new standardized test in English and math. The Common Core benchmarks will be supported by one of two new standardized tests in the 2014-2015 school year.

Common Core State Standards Initiative Major Changes: Math

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The Common Core State Standards Initiative seeks to standardize and improve education across the nation. Another major change due to Common Core State Standards Initiative to be on the lookout for is in math. Students will be required to show more work in solving math problems. Tomorrow we will have more Common Core State Standards Initiative changes to be aware of.

Common Core State Standards Initiative Major Changes: Reading and Writing

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New public school standards for learning called the Common Core State Standards Initiative will launch this fall in 45 states across the United States including Massachusetts. There will be changes in your child’s education due to the new standards. One of the major changes will be the inclusion of more nonfiction reading and persuasive writing in all grades. Check here tomorrow for more Common Core State Standards Initiative changes to watch out for.

Suicide & Adolescents

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The second leading cause of death among adolescents in the United States according to a 2012 study is suicide. Nearly 16% of adolescents in the United States reported seriously considering suicide in a 2011 study. Suicidal thinking is a symptom of depression. If you suspect your child may be suffering from depression, seek out help right away.

The Great Seal of the United States of America – Part 2

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Go grab a $1 bill and check out the back right circle called The Great Seal. This American symbol has many little known secrets. In the beak, the eagle has a scroll with the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM” which means “out of many, one.” Over its head is a field called a “glory” with 13 stars referring to the original 13 states. In front of the eagle is a shield with a shaded top called a “chief” and vertical stripes called “pales”. The stripes represent the states joined together, supporting a chief, which unites the whole and represents Congress.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

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