The average reading scores of American high school seniors has significantly declined over the last two decades. For example, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) found that reading scores for 12th graders were 10 points lower in 2024 than they were in 1992. In fact, 32% of students scored below the “basic level” for reading, which means that nearly a
Read moreResearch published in JAMA this month reported that American adolescents, age 13 to 18, spend an average of 70 minutes of their school days on their phones for non-schoolwork activities. The study used an app that tracked how much time students spent on their phones and what platforms they used. Researchers discovered that teens spent most of their phone time
Read moreThe start of the school year means changes in the whole family’s routine. Some teens welcome the return to the school routine; others resist it. Some teens feel excited; others feel anxious. While all these feelings are normal, it can make the transition difficult so it’s important to help prepare your children. Although most teens don’t think they need any help
Read moreThere are tons of homework helpers available online that are using Open AI’s technology, allowing students to use artificial intelligence to complete assignments with just a few button clicks. It is estimated that approximately half of high school students use artificial intelligence (AI) in their studies and homework. The new access to this technology raises many questions about the education
Read moreWith the new school year beginning, many parents are wondering how best to help their child be successful in school. Experts suggest helping children develop good study habits is one of the best methods. While studying is likely not your child’s most favorite pastime, it is essential to their academic success. The habits and work skills they develop now will
Read moreAlmost every school in the United States struggles with smartphone use in the classroom. Some argue we should incorporate the technology into lessons since it’s such a vital part of our daily lives, while others argue that youth need a break from the devices and lose valuable class time due to the distractions. It’s hard to know what the right
Read moreBringing home a bad grade is dreaded by every student. How will their parents react? What will they say? Will there be a punishment? Parents also dread bad grades for different reasons. They worry about how the grade will impact their child’s future, and they wonder if it’s a reflection of a failing in their own parenting. They struggle with
Read moreSending a teen off to college is a very stressful and emotional time. Parents feel a lot of excitement, but also some fear, worry, a sense of loss, and will certainly miss their day-to-day interaction with their child. Similarly, teens feel excited, but also worry, and will often experience homesickness. If you are a parent preparing to send your teen
Read moreSummer is winding down and families are preparing to send children back to school. Teens might be feeling a wide variety of emotions, ranging from excitement to anxiety. Whatever your teen might be feeling, it’s always important for parents to validate their emotions and help them cope with any stress. If your teen is feeling nervous about returning to school,
Read moreNationwide, there has been a significant and steady drop in college enrollment. Consider these statistics: In addition, with the recent Supreme Court ruling striking down affirmative action, there is likely to be further reduction in black and brown students applying to colleges. In this article, we will be exploring why college enrollment is declining, what impact the decline has on
Read more“I don’t want to go to school” is a phrase nearly every parent has heard many times. Every child complains about going to school now and then, and even resists going to school. But when a teen refuses to attend school on a regular basis, or has problems staying in school, something more serious is likely at play. A teenager
Read moreAs many students head back to school, we are facing a possible teacher shortage. Between the pandemic and recent political attacks on curriculum, teachers are stressed and considering different careers. Many teachers have already quit, and a recent teacher survey by Merrimack College discovered that 44% of teachers were likely to leave the profession within two years. Every parent wants
Read moreMany families with rising high school seniors will spend part of their summer touring college campuses. The college application process has become a source of intense pressure for many young people, often driven by what the students understand to be their parents’ and society’s expectations. In addition, tuition rates have soared, and student loan debt has become a huge debate
Read moreEveryone has their favorite teachers. Whether it’s the funny teacher who made the class entertaining or that empathetic teacher who made us feel understood, teachers can have a big impact on our lives. But, we also have those teachers who were boring or that were difficult to get along with or that we just didn’t like that much. While it’s
Read moreAs school begins, parents are often considering how to ensure their child has a successful school year. Ironically, one of the easiest ways to ensure a child’s success is a factor that is often overlooked: regular attendance. Research shows that consistent attendance at school helps children achieve better grades, develop healthy life habits, avoid dangerous behavior and have a better
Read moreThe new school year has begun. While many teens are grateful to be back in-person, the return to school also brings new stressors. Many youth are feeling a lot of social anxiety after being away from peers for so long. Teens often struggle with overcommitment in extracurriculars and the challenge of preparing for a life after high school. But one
Read moreToday’s teenagers are more stressed and anxious than ever before. Big life transitions, such as attending college, can place additional stress on a still-developing adolescent brain. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in four college students has a diagnosable mental illness and 80% of them feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities. According to the Center for Collegiate
Read moreWhen your student enters high school, college seems like a long way off. You think, ‘we have four years to think about college!’ In reality, your student has three years to create the experiences that will make up their resume for their applications, and they need to at least consider how they want to present themselves to truly build an
Read moreMany high school students are currently in the process of choosing their courses for the next academic year. High schools offer many course options for students, including several that allow students to earn college credit. A growing number of teens across the United States are choosing to enroll in college-level courses, such as: Advanced Placement (AP). AP courses are college-level
Read moreOctober is National Bullying Prevention Month. With so many students learning remotely this school year during the pandemic, bullying is most often taking place online, so today’s blog will focus on how we can prevent cyberbullying. Cyberbullying can be defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior involving a real or perceived power imbalance that takes place over digital devices like cell phones,
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