Thursday, March 26, 2020

The Advancement of Technology Has Helped Students Learn Ap Chemistry Formulas

The Advancement of Technology Has Helped Students Learn Ap Chemistry FormulasThe advancement of technology, such as computer software, has allowed students to learn chemistry formulas in the comfort of their own homes. No longer are teachers and professors required to perform research to learn the right formula for a particular substance, but students can now obtain their own chemistry formulas easily from the comfort of their own home.Currently, there are only four major universities that offer the course and one of them is the University of California. Since the traditional college degree is becoming less important for most students, many colleges and universities are allowing students to earn their certificate in either biology or chemistry course.If you are interested in taking this course, the first thing you will need to do is sign up for an AP Chemistry Formulas course. This form is not required if you are going to attend a college or university. They can also be completed at home if you have access to the internet. It is important that you are willing to take on the responsibilities of learning the formulas yourself since there are not enough resources out there to give you the information that you need to succeed.The only source of the formulas that you will need are the AP Chemistry Formulas books. These can be obtained from any reputable bookstore or online. Before purchasing these books, be sure to check with the online retailer if they allow you to review the formulas before purchasing.Most of the formulas that you will need to take on can be found by typing the name of the substance into the search engine. In the search box, type in 'ap chemistry formulas' and you will see all the results come up. You should find them quickly. Once you find the formulas that you want, it is time to purchase the AP Chemistry Formulas books.If you don't have time to read these formulas, then you can still use the online version of the formulas. The online versions w ill only tell you the formula for certain substances, not give you all the information. However, the online version is very helpful if you find yourself in a situation where you have no other option but to take the formulas.Remember that no matter which method you choose to learn chemistry, an easy formula to obtain is vital. Without the right formula, you will not have the right results to see the success that you desire. Without the right formula, you will not be able to accurately predict the properties of the chemicals that you are working with.

Friday, March 6, 2020

What is it Like to Attend University of Houston

What is it Like to Attend University of Houston The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Dana graduated from University of Houston in 2012 where she studied Political Science and Economics. She is an Austin tutor who specializes in SAT prep tutoring, Literature tutoring, Writing tutoring, and more. See what she had to say about her alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Dana: UH is historically a university for the working class, located in Houston's Third Ward. Thus the student body is dedicated, supportive, and highly diverse. Campus is close to downtown and Montrose, a great neighborhood filled with restaurants, museums, and more. Third Ward itself is a dynamic neighborhood, and despite some occasional crime, common sense is enough to keep you safe around campus (don't walk around alone at night, for example). Houston's transportation system is lacking, to say the least. But, depending on where you live, there are indeed buses and a new light rail coming to campus. Most students live in the far-flung suburbs though, and must use a car. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Dana: From my experience, professors are available and willing to help, if not highly encouraging and committed to their students. Academic advisers are a hit and miss, and it depends on the department. Cultivating a good relationship with your advisers can go a long way though, so you can get past any initial unavailability. My classes were always small, as part of the Honors College or in advanced classes (both in the Political Science Department and the Economics Department), so I did not have much interaction with teaching assistants - only once in my entire undergraduate career. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Dana: Dorm life at UH has drastically improved, including the quality of the rooms and dining options. More restaurants have opened up as new buildings have been added. I never lived in the dorms, and some students find them a bit overpriced. But socialization opportunities have certainly increased for students, especially since dorms now group students by interest and college. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Dana: UH is the type of school, size-wise, where many programs are very strong and well-supported. For instance, UH is ranked in the top schools for diverse majors such as Creative Writing,Entrepreneurship, and Engineering. I personally double majored in Political Science and Economics. All of my professors were well-established and had graduated from top institutions. The university focuses more on the Natural Sciences, from my experience, but still provides a number of research grants to the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. I had no problem pursuing my areas of study past the classroom when I wanted, with the logistic and financial support of the university. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Dana: It was very easy to meet people and make friends as a freshman. UH has many active student groups and consistently fun school-wide events. I was also a member of the Honors College, which does a great job helping their students get to know one another and cultivate relationships. There are a variety of Honors College events, many catered to freshman alone. Admittedly, the best relationships I made at UH were not made through the Honors College, but it does not take much effort to pursue other activities. Information on campus events is widely available. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Dana: There are a number of job fairs organized by the university career center, or specific colleges. The success rate seems to be quite satisfactory for the students involved, and many find internships and entry-level positions. I always wanted to pursue an academic career, and I did not utilize this particular support service. But, from my impression, they seem to be successful. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Dana: The main library is wonderful, spacious, and a great place to study. It's open late when you need it and features a number of great events each semester, including Undergraduate Research Day and a late night pancake dinner during finals. The camaraderie between students studying in the library is wonderful to see and experience. The University Center, UH's student union, is currently being re-modeled. It will hold more restaurants and more areas for students to study or get involved in activities. Dorm lounges, particularly in the newer buildings, are very fancy and well-equipped, available to residents only (so I didn't get to see much of them). VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Dana: Houston is the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, and UH is right in the thick of things. There isn't much youcan'tdo there; all interests are well represented. Students often spend time in Montrose, Fourth Ward, the Heights, and other great neighborhoods in central Houston. There are enough activities on campus to keep you busy, too, including athletic events, plays, and art shows. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Dana: Although the student body is 35,000 strong, many of my classes were 30 students or smaller. Rarely did I attend a large auditorium class, so I was always very pleased with class size. For a large university, UH does a great job making the student's educational experience as personal as possible. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Dana: I enjoyed all the classes I took with Dr. Ryan Kennedy, who teaches in the Political Science Department. I also had the opportunity to take a capstone seminar with Dr. Robert Zaretsky and Dr. Olivia Miljanic on globalization. Through this course, I was able to pursue an undergraduate thesis, which I credit for helping me get into graduate school soon after. Check out Danastutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

English Adjective Word Order

English Adjective Word Order Knowing how to order multiple adjectives in one sentence can really help your English sound more natural and fluent, especially when youre talking to native speakers.For example, do you know how to correctly order the adjectives in the sentences below?My cat is (furry, awesome, small, old).This is a (red, wool, beautiful, Irish) sweater.Watch the video below to get the answers.Order the adjectives below:1. The couch is (classic, canvas, tan, small, new).2. Her new apartment is (cool, blue, small, cozy, inexpensive).3. The painting is (American, dark, oil, interesting, expensive).4. My new car is a (1970s, blue, awesome, fast) Mustang.5. Seattle is (fun, rainy, quiet, hip).You can write your answers in comments below, and we will correct them. Anton The couch is classic small new tan canvas Her new apartment is inexpensive cool cozy small blue The painting is expensive interesting dark American oil My new car is awesome fast 1970s blue Mustang. Seattle is fun rainy quite hip. LOIEn glish Anton in number 2: cool and cozy are opinion adjectives so they must come first. The same with number three: interesting must come first. Also it wasnt included but you need to add and before the last adjective. Aglaya 1. The couch is classic, small, new, tan, canvas.2. Her new apartment is cool, cozy, inexpensive, small, blue.3. The painting is interesting, inexpensive, dark, American, oil.4. My new car is a awesome, fast, 1970s, blue Mustang.5. Seattle is fun, hip, rainy, quiet. LOIEnglish AglayaVery good. The only mistake is a little tricky. You need to have the word and in each of the sentences. LOIEnglish AnYou are correct in that last sentence quiet is technically an opinion/judgement and should come before temperature. So it is better to say: Seattle is fun, hip, quiet and rainy.

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Hearts Growing Strong! $50,000 Match Available. - Heart Math Tutoring

Heart’s Growing Strong! $50,000 Match Available. - Heart Math Tutoring Heart’s Growing Strong! $50,000 Match Available. Heart’s Growing Strong! $50,000 Match Available. June 23, 2016 Heart Donors, Funding Partners and Prospective Partners As we near the final stretch of our 2016 Spring Funding Initiative, I wanted to share the great news that we have raised $620,000 to date! We are beyond thrilled with our continued growth and success as we are now poised to expand from eight to 11 schools for the 2016/17 school year! We are also excited to share that The Leon Levine Foundation has awarded Heart a grant that matches new, increased, or lapsed donations dollar for dollar up to $50,000. We’d rather not wait until the November deadline and would like to surpass the $640,000 fundraising mark by Thursday, June 30. Doing so would enable us to get into a 12th school this fall. It costs $50,000 to fully fund a school site where 50-80 students receive one-on-one instruction for 30 minutes twice a week from September thru May. The cost for a new school partner includes: an on-site coordinator, tutoring supplies, volunteer recruitment, assessments and data analysis. To make a donation to Heart’s 2016 Spring Funding Initiative, please contact me at or 980-292-2297. No amount is too small. Heart accepts individual donations and sponsorships from corporations and foundations. Anything you or your business is able to contribute would be greatly appreciated to ensure all students build the strong foundation in math and enthusiasm for academics needed for long-term success. Thank you for supporting our efforts to meet the need for math intervention in CMS elementary schools. Your contributions enable us to recruit and support tutors, to give hundreds of students an opportunity for a brighter future. With Gratitude, Emily Elliott Executive Director Heart Math Tutoring

10 Ways You Can Get Involved in Politics

10 Ways You Can Get Involved in Politics (via Pixabay) 1) Knowledge is Power Before getting involved in politics it is essential to know and understand its background.  USA.gov  will be your best friend when it comes to learning the basics of how the government actually works. If you dont feel like looking up books in the library, you could always check out some YouTube videos that would speed the process along a little more quickly.  Here  is a seven-minute  crash course on the government basics! School House Rock is no longer around, their catchy, easy-to-follow tunes can be found on YouTube, like the classic  Im Just A Bill  song. Basically, there are several ways to learn about government and its history, whether youd like to indulge in a novel or just watch a quick video. 2) Register to Vote This step is simple and can be achieved in just a few minutes. You can register to vote at your local Department of Motor Vehicles or online. Visit this site  to find out more about where your local DMV is located and how to properly go about the process. 3) Go Actually Vote This should be obvious, but some feel as though their votes do not count. With the proper education on the voting process, you can find out that the constituents do indeed matter. This process can seem sketchy when talking about the electoral college but this actual weighs a states population in connection to the rest of the country. These electoral college numbers represent your  vote in a way that is cohesive and fair when it comes to the total population of the country. If this explanation  is confusing heres a short video  on explaining what it is and another discussing the voting process. US Capitol (via Wikimedia Commons) 4) Learn Who Reps Your State Whos your rep?? The government has three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The legislative branch is where representatives come into play. This branch consists of Congress and the Senate  that are responsible for weighing in on decisions that the executive branch proposes. The legislature is the checks and balances that prevents every decision from becoming an executive order that overrides typical government practice. Its important to know who your state representatives are because you can have an influence on their decisions. Call your representatives, and keep in contact with them to have your voice be heard. You can find out who your representatives are on this website. 5) Share What You Know Knowledge is power for real. The things you know can be impactful to the people you know. Just like how you share stories, you can also share knowledge. You may have heard of the term share the wealth and this is almost one in the same. You can share what you know online or to the people close to you, anything counts! The more that everyone knows about government processes, the more say that constituents have. 6) Meetings on Meetings on Meetings This is possibly the most boring step, but still important! Town hall meetings or meetings in your district can be a direct way of speaking to your local representatives and voicing your opinion. These meetings allow for you to become aware of the things happening in your area that may have been unbeknownst to you. These meetings are a more intimate way to speak your mind rather than leaving your congressman voicemails and emails. But like mentioned earlier, these meetings can be super boring. Depending on what the meeting is about can determine which may be of interest to you. (via Pixabay) 7) Volunteer! Becoming involved does not necessarily always involve the government, but the little things that you can do to help your community. There are often local organizations that you could volunteer for to spread awareness of a cause or assist in their day to day activities. Many churches, schools, and shelters offer volunteer programs that would help out the community around you. There are ways to volunteer in helping people register to vote, and I guess you could consider campaigning for the candidates you believe in as volunteering too. 8) What Do You Believe In? What are you passionate about? What drives you and or riles you up? These things that you feel so strongly about can make your political involvement much easier. If you focus on one topic, or aspect of government, you can direct all of your attention to this cause. Having a focal point will make volunteering and activism seem more easily attainable. Some examples of a focal point would be systematic oppression, environmental factors, or gun control. 9) Find a Publication that Suits You The news media industry is flooded with publications of all kinds. Mainstream publications might not represent your views on a subject but there could be others that do. When you have a source to read from that aligns with your views or provides more information on what you care about, youd be able to keep up on what you believe in. 10) Donate If You Can All of these steps are optional but donating can be the most inconvenient. Unless you have excess money you can spend, donating can take a back seat while you pursue other methods of taking action. Donating to organizations and charities helps them be able to continue making a difference in whatever it is they focus on.

Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture

Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture Taken from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, this collection of books possesses strong literary merit and provides its readers with a glimpse into Chinese culture. The following list of titles showcases varied aspects of Chinese culture as experienced through a central character. The Story of Ping by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Weise Readers between 1st and 3rd grades The Story of Ping is about an adventurous duck and takes place on the Yangtze River in China. Ranked in the top 10 for multicultural titles for children on the goodreads website, this story is also listed on the National Education Association’s list for “Teachers Top 100 Books for Children.”   Lon Po Po retold by Ed Young Readers between 1st and 3rd grades Winner of the 1990 Caldecott Medal, this story is a Chinese version of the classic childrens fable Little Red Riding Hood.” Readers may also notice a similarity to “The Three Little Pigs.” It is given as a text exemplar for teachers to use along with the Common Core State Standards.   The Cable Car and the Dragon by Herb Caen Readers between 1st and 3rd grades This whimsical tale, accompanied by fun illustrations, is about Charlie the cable car and his passenger (also the narrator) who decide to take an unplanned detour through San Francisco’s Chinese New Year celebration. These two take off on an exciting but almost disastrous adventure through the City by the Bay.   The Empty Pot by Demi Readers between 2nd to 4th grades A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. When Ping is the only child in China to admit that he could not grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty. This well-illustrated folktale is also a great book to read aloud to preschoolers in teaching them the value of telling the truth. Dragonwings by Laurence Yep Readers between 5th and 7th grades A winner of many awards and a Newbery Honor title, this novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of life for Chinese-Americans in early 20th century California; however, it is also uplifting in its depiction of their determination to make dreams come true. It is given as a text exemplar for teachers to use along with the Common Core State Standards. You might also be interested in: Celebrate Halloween with this Mystery Booklist for Grades 3 through 7 Celebrate “Read Across America Day” with these Fun Activities 5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month 7 Ways to Celebrate Pi Day Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture Booklist to Celebrate Chinese Culture Taken from the Kumon Recommended Reading List, this collection of books possesses strong literary merit and provides its readers with a glimpse into Chinese culture. The following list of titles showcases varied aspects of Chinese culture as experienced through a central character. The Story of Ping by Marjorie Flack and Kurt Weise Readers between 1st and 3rd grades The Story of Ping is about an adventurous duck and takes place on the Yangtze River in China. Ranked in the top 10 for multicultural titles for children on the goodreads website, this story is also listed on the National Education Association’s list for “Teachers Top 100 Books for Children.”   Lon Po Po retold by Ed Young Readers between 1st and 3rd grades Winner of the 1990 Caldecott Medal, this story is a Chinese version of the classic childrens fable Little Red Riding Hood.” Readers may also notice a similarity to “The Three Little Pigs.” It is given as a text exemplar for teachers to use along with the Common Core State Standards.   The Cable Car and the Dragon by Herb Caen Readers between 1st and 3rd grades This whimsical tale, accompanied by fun illustrations, is about Charlie the cable car and his passenger (also the narrator) who decide to take an unplanned detour through San Francisco’s Chinese New Year celebration. These two take off on an exciting but almost disastrous adventure through the City by the Bay.   The Empty Pot by Demi Readers between 2nd to 4th grades A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. When Ping is the only child in China to admit that he could not grow a flower from the seeds distributed by the Emperor, he is rewarded for his honesty. This well-illustrated folktale is also a great book to read aloud to preschoolers in teaching them the value of telling the truth. Dragonwings by Laurence Yep Readers between 5th and 7th grades A winner of many awards and a Newbery Honor title, this novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of life for Chinese-Americans in early 20th century California; however, it is also uplifting in its depiction of their determination to make dreams come true. It is given as a text exemplar for teachers to use along with the Common Core State Standards. You might also be interested in: Celebrate Halloween with this Mystery Booklist for Grades 3 through 7 Celebrate “Read Across America Day” with these Fun Activities 5 Tips to Celebrate National Family Literacy Month 7 Ways to Celebrate Pi Day

Ask the Expert 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program

Ask the Expert 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program Ask the Expert: 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program Whether parents hope to have their early learners reading before kindergarten, are looking for a little extra help for their struggling student or want to give their children a competitive advantage in the classroom, there are many reasons why parents seek out academic enrichment programs. It’s true that children gain a wealth of knowledge from a variety of topics introduced at school, but some students could really benefit from additional academic programs. The goal of enrichment programs is to help students develop a love for learning, while demonstrating proficiency in academics. The programs also help children develop critical thinking skills and effective learning methods. Have you ever wondered if your children could benefit from an academic enrichment program? Here are five things to consider. 1) Kindergarten Readiness. Each year, four million curious minds enter kindergarten for the first time, eager to start elementary school just like the big kids. But what should kindergarteners know by the first day of school? This question is one of the most frequently asked by many parents of preschoolers. From following directions to working independently to academic skills, readiness for school is one of the most important factors in your child’s academic success. After-school academic enrichment programs, like Kumon, help preschoolers develop important skills, including the ability to work independently, identify sounds and letters, and strengthen fine motor skills. Parents even see their preschoolers showcase improved attentiveness, perseverance and time management. 2) Supplemental Education. If you think your child can do better than he did on his last report card, or if you’ve noticed a decline in his test scores, after-school academic enrichment programs are useful in filling learning gaps. They help children who may be struggling in a traditional classroom setting reach their maximum potential. Specialized programs can help find the root of the problem and then work not only to fix it, but also continue to help the child progress. This results in improved academic performance and attitude towards school. 3) Study Skills. Do you have concerns with your child’s time management skills? Have you noticed he puts off projects or postpones homework? An occasional delay can be expected, but consistent procrastination can be a sign of a larger issue. High-quality academic enrichment programs don’t just focus on the academics. They also help children learn how to learn properly. Throughout the process, students cultivate important work and study skills, like improved focus and concentration, perseverance, confidence and independence. 4) Confidence.It’s natural to be uncertain when learning a new concept. Remember the first time you tried to ride a bike? You probably didn’t feel very confident at first, but over time and with practice, you got better and faster. The key was practice, and like many things in life, practice nourishes success. We all want our children to be confident in anything they do, so it’s difficult when we see our children lack confidence in their academic performance. After-school academic enrichment programs can help children become self-assured, which will lead to more participation in the classroom. 5) Academic Advantage.  Do your children complain about being bored in school and show a desire for wanting to learn more? Some academic enrichment programs, like Kumon, allow children to advance based on their ability rather than their age or grade. This can result in children studying above their school grade level. Students studying above grade level usually have more positive attitudes towards school, improved concentration skills, better study habits, increased accuracy and the ability to work independently. In fact, research shows there are many benefits to studying above grade level. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students reading above grade level in the 3rd grade are more likely to graduate from high school, and students who take advanced math courses are more likely to attend and graduate from college. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school and stay in school longer. Parents can support their child’s educational development by working with educators to support learning. Play an active role in your child’s education by knowing what they are studying and routinely communicating with their teacher. About the Author Dr. Mary Mokris, Ph.D., is the manager of the Materials Team at Kumon North America. She began her career at Kumon nearly 20 years ago as the director of a company-owned Kumon Center, instructing 200 math and reading students in Atlanta before being relocated to Kumon’s headquarters in Teaneck, N.J. Dr. Mokris led Kumon’s Reading Team, and worked to develop and revise the reading curriculum, which covers materials from preschool to high school. Prior to joining Kumon, Dr. Mokris was a tenured Associate Professor of English Language and Literature at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, for six years. Dr. Mokris holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a master’s from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also spent five years teaching at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro College and High Point University. Dr. Mokris is a regular presenter at conferences and symposiums and has pu blished numerous articles in a variety of academic publications. You might also be interested in: Harvard Bound Kumon Dual Program Completer Gives Advice on College Admissions Process Is your Child Ready for Kindergarten? Why is Dual Enrollment in Kumon Math and Reading Important? Slowing Down in the Face of Challenge is the Key to this Students Academic Success Ask the Expert 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program Ask the Expert: 5 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from an Academic Enrichment Program Whether parents hope to have their early learners reading before kindergarten, are looking for a little extra help for their struggling student or want to give their children a competitive advantage in the classroom, there are many reasons why parents seek out academic enrichment programs. It’s true that children gain a wealth of knowledge from a variety of topics introduced at school, but some students could really benefit from additional academic programs. The goal of enrichment programs is to help students develop a love for learning, while demonstrating proficiency in academics. The programs also help children develop critical thinking skills and effective learning methods. Have you ever wondered if your children could benefit from an academic enrichment program? Here are five things to consider. 1) Kindergarten Readiness. Each year, four million curious minds enter kindergarten for the first time, eager to start elementary school just like the big kids. But what should kindergarteners know by the first day of school? This question is one of the most frequently asked by many parents of preschoolers. From following directions to working independently to academic skills, readiness for school is one of the most important factors in your child’s academic success. After-school academic enrichment programs, like Kumon, help preschoolers develop important skills, including the ability to work independently, identify sounds and letters, and strengthen fine motor skills. Parents even see their preschoolers showcase improved attentiveness, perseverance and time management. 2) Supplemental Education. If you think your child can do better than he did on his last report card, or if you’ve noticed a decline in his test scores, after-school academic enrichment programs are useful in filling learning gaps. They help children who may be struggling in a traditional classroom setting reach their maximum potential. Specialized programs can help find the root of the problem and then work not only to fix it, but also continue to help the child progress. This results in improved academic performance and attitude towards school. 3) Study Skills. Do you have concerns with your child’s time management skills? Have you noticed he puts off projects or postpones homework? An occasional delay can be expected, but consistent procrastination can be a sign of a larger issue. High-quality academic enrichment programs don’t just focus on the academics. They also help children learn how to learn properly. Throughout the process, students cultivate important work and study skills, like improved focus and concentration, perseverance, confidence and independence. 4) Confidence.It’s natural to be uncertain when learning a new concept. Remember the first time you tried to ride a bike? You probably didn’t feel very confident at first, but over time and with practice, you got better and faster. The key was practice, and like many things in life, practice nourishes success. We all want our children to be confident in anything they do, so it’s difficult when we see our children lack confidence in their academic performance. After-school academic enrichment programs can help children become self-assured, which will lead to more participation in the classroom. 5) Academic Advantage.  Do your children complain about being bored in school and show a desire for wanting to learn more? Some academic enrichment programs, like Kumon, allow children to advance based on their ability rather than their age or grade. This can result in children studying above their school grade level. Students studying above grade level usually have more positive attitudes towards school, improved concentration skills, better study habits, increased accuracy and the ability to work independently. In fact, research shows there are many benefits to studying above grade level. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students reading above grade level in the 3rd grade are more likely to graduate from high school, and students who take advanced math courses are more likely to attend and graduate from college. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school and stay in school longer. Parents can support their child’s educational development by working with educators to support learning. Play an active role in your child’s education by knowing what they are studying and routinely communicating with their teacher. About the Author Dr. Mary Mokris, Ph.D., is the manager of the Materials Team at Kumon North America. She began her career at Kumon nearly 20 years ago as the director of a company-owned Kumon Center, instructing 200 math and reading students in Atlanta before being relocated to Kumon’s headquarters in Teaneck, N.J. Dr. Mokris led Kumon’s Reading Team, and worked to develop and revise the reading curriculum, which covers materials from preschool to high school. Prior to joining Kumon, Dr. Mokris was a tenured Associate Professor of English Language and Literature at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, for six years. Dr. Mokris holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, a master’s from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She also spent five years teaching at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro College and High Point University. Dr. Mokris is a regular presenter at conferences and symposiums and has pu blished numerous articles in a variety of academic publications. You might also be interested in: Harvard Bound Kumon Dual Program Completer Gives Advice on College Admissions Process Is your Child Ready for Kindergarten? Why is Dual Enrollment in Kumon Math and Reading Important? Slowing Down in the Face of Challenge is the Key to this Students Academic Success