Girls are as good in math as boys....I could have told you that!!!

Janet Hyde, a researcher from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, recently published an article in Science concluding that girls in every grade from 2nd to 12th have math skills and abilities equal to those of their male counterparts. Using information based on math assessments required by No Child Left Behind, Hyde was able to assess the scores from over 7 million children in the United States.

While the data proves no discrepancy in ability, the belief persists amongst students and adults that math is "too hard" for girls. The gender war in the math arena seems to have been settled as females earn 48% of undergraduate degrees in the subject. Twenty years ago, data still proved that while elementary math scores were similar, girls began to under perform once they entered high school, taking less challenging courses (or none at all). There is still a long way to go in physics and engineering, however, as males still have the vast majority of representatives in these fields.

Joy Lee, a student at our very own TJ, shed some light on the subject. Sometimes, it's not a matter of feeling competent, but feeling comfortable in a setting where you may be the only female (until that begins to change, of course).

Hopefully, Hyde's study will encourage more teachers to recommend math and science to girls, not only in school but afterwards as well! This is just further evidence that biological differences between males and females do not have to equate to career selections or performance in school.

Thank you, Janet Hyde!!!

Don't let 'em fool you--there's TONS of stuff to do this summer!

I know, I know...as the summer goes on, bike riding, playing outside with friends, and using one's own imagination to keep busy gets a little tedious. Keep it fresh by checking out just one of the seemingly thousands of summer activities going on in and around the nation's capital.

1. Like animals? Like music?
Check out live music at the zoo on Thursday evenings! Take the metro in from VA or MD to make the trip less stressful and more environmentally friendly. Of course, these shows are ALWAYS family friendly and are guaranteed to get the kiddos up and dancing around!

2. I know you've seen Sesame Street!
Who hasn't? Now you can see Kermit, Bert, Ernie, and the gang in person at the International Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution. They may be under glass, but getting up close and personal with some of our childhood buddies is sure to make kids of all ages smile and take a stroll down memory lane.

3. Are you a cat person?
Find out at the annual Cat Show at the Dulles Expo Center from September 6-7. Not for the faint of cat, this competition features over 500 felines--Be sure to catch the amazing feline agility course! Of course, those looking to add a new baby of four legged variety to the family will have the pick of the litter(s) as breeders and rescuers bring the most adorable little kittens to Chantilly for adoption.

4. A playground for everyone
Clemyjontri Park in McLean , Virginia has the great distinction of being one of only a handful of fully accessible playgrounds in the area. Children of all ages and abilities are at home here, on land donated by 90-year-old Adele Lebowitz. The park features (among many things) safer, softer footing, multi-sensory effects, braille writing, and best of all, a fully accessible carousel!

5. Golf...in miniature
Summer is made "fore" miniature golf! Check out Braddock Park--Islands in the Park (13241 Braddock Rd., Clifton, VA 20124--703-818-8929). This 18-hole course actually has an official par of 47, though they won't mind a bit if you choose not to keep score! If you're able to tear yourself away from the beautiful waterfalls and landscaping of the course, you can also take a turn in the batting cage or spread out a picnic.

Common 504 Interventions

Since our director, Ann Dolin, M.Ed, was a special education teacher here in Fairfax county, many families seek her advice when it comes to setting up IEP or 504 plans for their children. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)are designed to provide accommodations or modifications for students who have severe learning differences or other impairments that affect their academic success, such as learning disorders, Down's Syndrome, or Austism. Sometimes, though, students who would benefit from educational accommodations do not qualify for special education services. For example, a student with severe AD/HD would be unable to receive services under the umbrella of special education. There is an answer, however.

Section 504 Plans are designed to facilitate support for children at school who do not meet the criteria for special education, but are still severely impacted in a main area of life. This could include breathing, performing mental math equations, seeing, hearing, speaking, etc. Attention deficits can qualify a student for a 504 plan if the disorder's manifestations prohibit learning. Deficits in auditory and visual processing can also qualify students for 504 plans. Talk to your child's teacher if you feel a 504 plan might be appropriate. You can also phone Ann for additional information.

Some common interventions provided in a 504 Plan include:
*providing frequent breaks
*administering tests or assessments untimed
*extending due dates on homework or projects
*providing peer tutors or pre-written notes
*the use of technological devices, such as calculators, laptops, etc.
*allowing students to present information orally instead of in writing, or vice versa
*scheduling student-teacher "check-ins"
*using behavior contracts or behavior modification plans
*self-monitoring
*breaking down tasks
*eliminating some or all homework assignments
*modifying assignments to allow students to effectively show their subject mastery

The list can really go on and on! If you feel that your child would or should qualify for a 504 plan, contact the school before classes begin in the fall. It can be a lengthy process to evaluate a student for possible services and it's better to get the ball rolling early.

Getting Ready for School...During the Summer!

While school may be the last thing on your mind over the summer months, it's extremely important to use the time off to effectively plan for the coming year! Putting strategies and routines in place before school starts sets the stage for success early on. Here are some tips from Karen Sampson to help your child succeed during the 2008-2009 school year.

1. Get to know your child's teacher, school counselor, or principal
It's amazing what a few pre-school emails can do when help and support is really needed during the school year.

2. Attend any orientations that your school might have
Whether it be new school, new grade, or just a back to school orientation, check in with the academic professionals in your child's life. Putting a "face with a name," creates a much more personal connection with them, even if you chat for just a short time.

3. Talk with your child about expectations
Make your expectations for school behavior clear before school starts. Your child will know what consequences will result should s/he act out. If grades are important to you or your child, also discuss the difference between "good" grades and "bad" grades. If this is part of your back-to-school conversation though, be sure to talk about "trying your best" so that your child realizes effort is more important than outcome.

4.Role-play new situations with your child
Even if students are just starting a new grade in their old school, there are a multitude of situations that may arise. Have your child practice what to do if they get lost, how to deal with bullies, or make new friends. If age appropriate, have your child practice "saying no" to drugs. Research shows the best way to prevent drug use is to prepare students to resist peer pressure!

5. Offer family rewards for success in school
Instead of money or bonuses, offer a family dinner out at a restaurant or 15-minutes extra of bed-time reading. These rewards will be much more meaningful to students in the long run and will provide more time together as a family. Everyone wins!