Georgia kids have been preparing all year for the dreaded CRCT.  CRCT testing is around the corner, and come April, Georgia students will be gripping those No. 2 pencils and putting to paper what they’ve learned during year. As parents I think it’s safe to say we are just as nervous and the kids are when test time comes. Georgia law, as amended by the A+ Education Reform Act of 2000, requires that all students in grades one through eight take the CRCT in the content areas of reading, English/language arts, and mathematics. Students in grades three through eight are also assessed in science and social studies. The CRCT only assesses the content standards outlined in the GPS.

The test not only puts stress on the students and parents but also the teachers. Our school systems put so much pressure on GA teachers to “make the Grade” each year in producing Impressive scores. With much at stake for all, CRCT testing can be extremely stressful for students, as they realize their destiny lies in what they put down on paper during the CRCTs.  The pressure to perform is at an all-time high, at the same time teachers are faced with growing class sizes, fewer resources, dwindling budgets and layoffs. They need some help.  As a parent I feel that we should not be putting this all on our teachers.  I am very vocal when it comes to this subject and feel that as parents we should be helping our kids learn all they can! We can’t just depend on the school systems to teach our children everything they need to know and prepare them for these test.  Some will argue and say that’s what teachers and schools are for. I agree they are there to help teach our kids but we need to work as a team!  Learning starts at home!

Many of you know the struggles I am dealing with my “middle child” at school.  She has always been the one that needs the extra help. The school has been great in making sure she is getting the help she needs especially in math.  She also works with a math tutor to give her one on one attention to help her understand.  However that don’t mean she doesn’t have to do extra work at home.  I am the type of parent that is not “ok” with barely passing.  I expect my kids to know what they are doing and aim for the sky.  Math has never been my strong subject but I refuse to just brush that off and allow my child to keep struggling. As parents sometimes we have to think out the box to help our kids.  Today there are a number of tutoring center franchises that have sprung up in strip malls, online tutoring, and more traditional one-on-one tutoring.

Sometimes parent’s are faced with the question does my Child really need a tutor. I feel if the child does not understand what’s going on in class and you have tried all you can at home then it’s time to consider a pro.  Start by doing your research. Most tutoring services have websites, so first go online. Tutor centers should have a wealth of information available on their websites that covers everything from the subjects they offer and their philosophy of education to statements about the qualifications of their tutors and testimonials.

Also make sure you know your goals. When selecting a tutoring service, it’s important to know what you want to get out of the experience. Perhaps your child is like my daughter who falling behind in a subject and needs remediation with a math or reading tutor. Maybe your child is a gifted or accelerated student and needs to be challenged to reach his or her full potential. My son is gifted and I always felt till this year he was never being challenged enough.  Luckily now that we are in middle school things have changed!  He actually has to “think” and work!

People use tutors for many different reasons. However, the tutor you choose should listen to your student, be upbeat and enthusiastic, make learning fun, instill confidence in your student, and, ultimately, teach your student new learning habits so that he or she can succeed in all of his or her educational endeavors.

I wish all my GA Family the best as CRCT gets under way!  As Parents we need to let our kids know this test is important but go in and think positive.  When test results come back and you’re not happy with the results then please take the next steps in helping prepare your children next year. We have to work as a team with our schools. Our children don’t deserve having one of the lowest school systems in the United States!  There is also a web site that you may use to allow your child to practice on items similar to those that they will encounter on the CRCT. Visit today to see where your child might be struggling.

 

So Now I want to hear from you! What are you doing as a parent to prepare your child?  Do you use tutoring services or thinking about it?