Education & kids

Drug Dealers in Schools?

Q. My sister just found out that her son has been using drugs.  His school caught him

with marijuana and cocaine in his bag.  Needless to say, my sister is distraught. He

has admitted that he first tried drugs from another student who sells drugs in his high

school. How can parents protect their children from drug dealers in school?  How

many teens use drugs?

A. You have triggered a discussion that I will answer in a three parts.  First the

incidence of drugs use among our youth.  Next how can parents/teachers

tell if their student is using drugs?  Last, what can parents/ school districts do? I

visited the US Department of Justice’s website...

Read more: ASK LISA-ANNE MAY 12

Q. What are the effects of poverty on children and their academic performance?

A. Many hoped that K-12 education would help eradicate poverty, but it hasn't worked out that way yet.  In his latest article about the academic consequences of poverty, Matthew Lynch argues that teachers need to be especially aware of the effects of poverty in their classrooms.  Lynch's article states, "Poverty is a major problem in the United States. The middle class seems to be disappearing and the gap is widening between the upper class and the lower class sectors of society. The socioeconomic status of children and their families has a profound effect on the children’s education, even in a country that prides itself on equal opportunity and fair treatment...

Read more: ASK LISA-ANNE April 12

Should boys and girls attend same gender schools?

To answer this question we must first examine whether boys and girls learn differently?

According to experts at the www.greatschools.net website, gender differences become apparent at an early age and can be seen in the different ways girls and boys play and learn. In a first-grade classroom, it's not unusual to find the girls working quietly at their desks or cooperatively in small groups as the boys toss paper wads through the air, make silly faces at each other across the room, or seem bored, distracted and restless when seated. While many girls politely raise their hands to answer the teacher's questions, many boys blurt out their answers. Over the past decade or so, researchers have...

Read more: ASK LISA-ANNE MARCH 12

Do School Uniforms Make a Difference in Academic Performance?

Q. My niece attends a charter school and they wear uniforms.  My sister thinks that wearing uniforms helps improve academics in schools.  Is this true?

A. Well, it depends on whom you ask.  If you ask people who went to Catholic or other religious schools, other private schools or who went to school outside of the USA where everyone wore uniforms; they would tell you yes!  Those who never wore uniforms may take another view on the subject!  Researchers are divided over how much of an impact - if any - dress policies have upon student learning. A 2004 book makes the case that uniforms do not improve school safety or academic discipline. A 2005 study, on the...

Read more: ASK LISA-ANNE Feb 12