I see. Science fair is not part of the curriculum in our school. We already have "science Fridays" where the teachers help each child do an experiment for the class and learn about the scientific method. Science fair is an opportunity to go beyond that. The teachers don't have time to help 30 kids find and research a topic, write out the information, put together a display board, and practice for a presentation. If that were the case, we'd have no science fair.
A family project doesn't mean you do the work. I've never done these projects for my kids. I help. The child does the actual work. How much help the child needs depends on the age and experience. We start in first grade. By 4th or 5th grade, the child can do most of it herself. IMO, one of the big advantages of these projects is that kids learn how to put together a good project instead of just muddling through on their own. I think I'm done talking about the science fair now.
Are these parents given tests before volunteering? You know the education of every single parent volunteering? Sorry, but IMHO, I would rather have someone who is fully educated, is in the classroom every single day with my child, than someone who comes in once a week. But then again, that is why I pay so much in taxes :)
That's great then if he is able to handle the frustration better in middle school. In high school, he will be able to take classes that suit him more if he is advanced.
i don't think i've ever used ignore, and i can't seem to find where to check it on my settings. (if anyone knows how, i'd be interested to learn.) sorry! i'll try to
Oh yea...there's that and the whole, "I got the answer right, why do I need to show my work when I don't need to do the work in order to get the answer?" frustration.
It's possible that we are comparing apples to oranges with regard to school funding. Schools in Sweden are also required to pay rent for the property and, as I mentioned before, a hot lunch every day for all children. There may be other hidden costs that come out of that budget.
"Our district uses the Ravens test for the initial screening (all 2d graders take it). It's a nonverbal test of reasoning."
I've been involved in the past in discussions on bilingual boards about suitable tests for bilingual children or children who don't speak the dominant language. The conclusion from the research people have posted seem to indicate that even non-verbal tests are not very satisfactory. Essentially, it is most effective to test children in their strongest language. I found the following conclusions rather interesting, for example:
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A gifted class a couple of hours a week, no it wouldn't solve the problem.
PumpkinAngel
I see. Science fair is not part of the curriculum in our school. We already have "science Fridays" where the teachers help each child do an experiment for the class and learn about the scientific method. Science fair is an opportunity to go beyond that. The teachers don't have time to help 30 kids find and research a topic, write out the information, put together a display board, and practice for a presentation. If that were the case, we'd have no science fair.
A family project doesn't mean you do the work. I've never done these projects for my kids. I help. The child does the actual work. How much help the child needs depends on the age and experience. We start in first grade. By 4th or 5th grade, the child can do most of it herself. IMO, one of the big advantages of these projects is that kids learn how to put together a good project instead of just muddling through on their own. I think I'm done talking about the science fair now.
Sorry, but IMHO, I would rather have someone who is fully educated, is in the classroom every single day with my child, than someone who comes in once a week.
But then again, that is why I pay so much in taxes :)
There
Oh yea...there's that and the whole, "I got the answer right, why do I need to show my work when I don't need to do the work in order to get the answer?" frustration.
PumpkinAngel
It's possible that we are comparing apples to oranges with regard to school funding. Schools in Sweden are also required to pay rent for the property and, as I mentioned before, a hot lunch every day for all children. There may be other hidden costs that come out of that budget.
"Our district uses the Ravens test for the initial screening (all 2d graders take it). It's a nonverbal test of reasoning."
I've been involved in the past in discussions on bilingual boards about suitable tests for bilingual children or children who don't speak the dominant language. The conclusion from the research people have posted seem to indicate that even non-verbal tests are not very satisfactory. Essentially, it is most effective to test children in their strongest language. I found the following conclusions rather interesting, for example:
http://gcq.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/52/4/275?rss=1
Pages