HELP FOR PARENTS OF: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Looking at the big picture: What test scores can't reveal

In today’s standards-driven schools, test results are on the minds of every teacher, student, school administrator, and parent, alike.

“We live in a time where state tests and No Child Left Behind benchmarks are all the rage,” says an elementary school principal. “Everything seems to hinge on a child’s and school’s test scores. Yet, while these scores help educators monitor achievement levels, they really shouldn’t be the only measure,” he adds.

Beyond the scores
Test scores provide only a “snapshot” of how a child is doing in school, so it’s important for parents to view the whole “photo album” when trying to determine if their child is receiving a well-rounded education. Parents should consider their children’s social and emotional development, in addition to their classroom performance.

“Good exam scores and high grades are what we want for every child,” says an elementary school guidance coordinator. “But we can’t dismiss the reality that in today’s world, children need more, much more, than just good grades.”

Today’s college recruiters and employers, in most every job and profession, say they are looking for employees who are intelligent, but who also have “soft skills” and life skills, which tests frequently don’t measure.

According to education experts, “soft skills” that matter most in education and in life include:

• critical thinking

• problem solving

• communication

• creativity and innovation

• collaboration (working well with others)

And the life skills and characteristics that help make good citizens and good students include:

• leadership and independence

• ethics and morals

• personal motivation

• tolerance and acceptance

• citizenship

“Parents can lead their children away from self-absorption by teaching the value of tolerance, thoughtfulness, and consideration,” says a parent and volunteer for the American Red Cross. “Children who develop empathy and compassion at a young age tend to carry these characteristics with them into adulthood,” she adds.

While this may seem like a tall order for such young children, it’s important that their social and emotional skills continue to develop along with their academic skills. Getting kids off to a good start at an early age will better prepare them not only for the rigors of higher education, but for life, in general.

Measuring success
How do you know if your child is on the right track, and what can parents do to ensure they strike a balance in developing their child’s academic and social skills?

An elementary school guidance coordinator offers this advice: “Talk with your kids and get them involved in activities both in and out of school. Look closely at your child’s school work, monitor his or her behavior at home, pay attention to disciplinary notes from school, and stay in close contact with your child’s teacher.”

Often times, teachers are in a unique position to offer insight into your child’s social development, because they see first-hand how your child interacts with his peers and how he or she treats others. So make your child’s teachers your allies and keep in close contact with them.

While there is no single activity your children can participate in, nor test they can take, to ensure they will develop socially, emotionally, and academically balanced, here are a few general guidelines you and your children can follow:

• Develop friendships. In her research essay, psychologist Cynthia Goins stresses the importance of peer interactions along with academic development. “Kids need to be with their peers to develop social skills and, in general, develop emotionally. Parents may have to play the role of social director, making sure that their kids have some time to set aside for playing with friends, as well as studying,” she says. Some shy children may need an extra push from parents to make friends. Children in grades K-2 can benefit from arranged play groups, but for older kids, it’s better to contact the school or your town community center to find out if there are any social clubs/activities your child can get involved in to make friends. (For example, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, art club, chess club, music and theater, intramurals.)

• Explore interests. Encourage your children and their friends to use their free time to explore their interests. Kids need a fun outlet to express their creativity and to burn some energy, says a mother of two. If your children like to read, encourage them to start a book/theater club where they put on plays based on the books they read. Or, if your child is into sports, look through the local yellow pages for places that offer indoor rock climbing, karate, kids’ gyms, etc.

• Build inner and outer strength. Along with providing physical activity, athletic clubs also focus on helping kids build up their self-esteem and leadership skills and encourage camaraderie and teamwork. “The earlier children develop self-confidence and respect for others, the better off they will be in the future,” says a physical education teacher.

• Encourage strong family and community ties. Children can learn a lot about responsibility, compassion, and respect by participating in family life, including chores, playing with or caring for siblings, and taking part in family and community activities. Encourage your children to get involved in volunteerism opportunities, whether it’s at a local soup kitchen or raking an elderly neighbor’s leaves.
  

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