America Falling Behind in Academics
What Can We Do to Improve?
Extracuricular Activites
- Research shows activities help develop a positive correlation with academics
- Develop skills outside of the classroom
- Helps maintain interest in school, providing recreation for students
Benefits of AP Courses
- AP Students maintain higher GPA's and graduation rates in high school
- AP Courses also correlates with better College achievement
- Students that perform in AP classes are better prepared for college courses
Improving Teacher Quality and Standards
- U.S. teaching quality reflects achievement of students
- Foreign competitors hold teachers to higher standards, developing nations youth more effectively
- U.S. needs to increase standards and incentivize teachers
Adapting Within the Classroom
- In a more self oriented system, students reach personal connections with content they are taught
- Teachers should become "designers"
- Technology can assist, meeting evolving classroom needs
Works Cited
Chris, Spence. "Without school sports, everyone loses." Toronto Star (Canada) n.d.: Newspaper Source. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
Fox, Claudia K., et al. "Physical Activity And Sports Team Participation: Associations With Academic Outcomes In Middle School And High School Students." Journal Of School Health 80.1 (2010): 31-37. ERIC. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.
Cubukcu, Zuhal. "Teachers' Evaluation of Student-Centered Learning Environments."Education 1st ser. 133 (2012): 44-69. EBSCO. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.
Christen, Amy. "Transforming the Classroom for Collaborative Learning in the 21st Century." Techniques: Connecting Education to Careers 1st ser. 84 (n.d.): 28-31. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 15 Nov. 2013.
Tucker, Marc. "Teacher Quality: What's Wrong With U.S. Strategy?." Educational Leadership 69.4 (2011): 42. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.
Kretchmar, Jen, and Farmer, Steve. "How Much Is Enough?." Journal Of College Admission 220 (2013): 28-33. OmniFile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson). Web. 12 Nov. 2013.
ACT, Inc., National Center for Educational Achievement. "The Advanced Placement Program Benefits Mainly Well-Prepared Students Who Pass AP Exams. Issues In College Readiness." National Center For Educational Achievement (2010): ERIC. Web. 13 Nov. 2013.
Mathews, Jay. "Studies Find Benefits to Advanced Placement Courses." The Washington Post. The Washington Post, 29 Jan. 2007. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.