When my son set up his Facebook profile I provided him a list of non-negotiable rules to follow. At the end of my proclamation I asked if he had any rules for me. “Just don’t embarrass me,” he said.  Fat chance. I’m his mother.

[Read the rest of this article...]

I heard something pretty shocking the other day on the radio. The DJ was talking about how the price of daycare for an infant is now more expensive than a year's tuition in a public college (such as a technical school).

[Read the rest of this article...]

In the spring of 2012, STAAR – the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness – will replace the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) program. The Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas educators worked together to develop a new assessment system as set forth by the 80th and 81st Texas legislatures. The focus was on increasing postsecondary readiness of graduating high school students and helping to ensure that Texas students are competitive with other students both nationally and internationally. There will be two cut scores, and they will identify three performance categories:•    Level III: Advanced Academic Performance•    Level II: Satisfactory Academic Performance•    Level I: Unsatisfactory Academic Performance Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Imitation is flattery, right? So we are going to flatter our pals at TODAY Entertainment by doing a 'Comment of the week' post just like they do! Here's how it will work each Sunday, beginning...now! We're getting so many great comments on our TODAY Moms Facebook page   …

[Read the rest of this article...]

Forget about the kids; are you ready for a new school year? Ready or not, once Labor Day ends back-to-school structure and schedules will snowball into a massive avalanche of the "new norm".

[Read the rest of this article...]

You know those moms doing a happy dance in the parking lot on the first day of school, then caravanning together to the nearest Starbucks to toast their freedom with Venti Java Chip Frappuccinos? I'm not one of them.

[Read the rest of this article...]

So much for Scooby-Doo. My daughter is now the proud owner of a brand-new Penguins of Madagascar backpack. That's it; my days (nay, weeks) of back-to-school shopping are officially over. Let the second grade begin! My kid is ready, both physically and mentally.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Perhaps one of the best reasons for a parent to hire a tutor is the difficulties that arise when trying to teach a learning disabled student. Tutoring consists of small classes and one-on-one teaching, but problems still arise in any teaching situation. Learning to identify those situations and how to effectively solve them is an ability that is learned and refined to fit each individual situation. A tutor is equipped to recognize difficulties. The tutor is able to fit cognitive difficulties into categories, and provide an academic approach to the situation. The tutor is prepared for problems when they will arise, and will assess and solve the problem at the moment of occurrence. Perhaps one of the most common of difficulties handling student problems is the occurrence called blocking. This student has a low frustration level and will react by sitting still, acting hopeless and actually “freezing up.” This student may react by stating that: ”I’ll never get this.” “I’m dumb.” “So…what am I supposed to do?” The tutor sees that no further work will be accomplished with that attitude. The attitude must change before learning occurs. The tutor will to relate the student’s successes, praising the student for those successes, and building a feeling of success for the student. Then he will proceed in ultra small steps to continue the learning process. By going forth slowly, the student regains confidence in what he can do. The tutor will continually give this student support and reinforce success on an ongoing basis.Read more »Original post blogged on b2evolution.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Quick: How many weeks should your baby spend in utero before birth? 37 weeks? 38 weeks? 39 weeks?

[Read the rest of this article...]

Finding kid-friendly foods is difficult enough for most parents, but having to put your little one on diet void of wheat and other popular grains can seem downright daunting. The good news: It doesn’t have to be. By learning what’s unsafe to eat, finding yummy alternatives, and keeping the right frame of mind, raising a child on a gluten-free diet can be a lot easier than it might seem.

[Read the rest of this article...]