On Sept. 12, #NACACreads chatted with Ned Johnson, a NACAC member and one of two authors behind The Self-Driven Child — a new book that takes a look at strategies to help your students develop the inner drive they’ll need to succeed in life after high school.
Couldn’t make the discussion? Use this chat transcript to catch up on what you missed.
Continue reading #NACACreads: Transcript from Chat with Author Ned Johnson
Our next #NACACreads discussion is almost here.
On Wednesday, we’ll chat with author Ned Johnson about the sense and science of giving kids more control over their lives.
Johnson, a NACAC member, is one of two authors behind The Self-Driven Child — a new book that takes a look at strategies to help your students develop the inner drive they’ll need to succeed in life after high school.
Continue reading #NACACreads: Join Us Wednesday for a Discussion of ‘The Self-Driven Child’
Have you heard about the federal government’s Afterschool Meal Program?
Advocates in Texas are trying to get more schools and community organizations in their state to participate in the initiative, which is available to qualifying schools across the nation. Experts say the program is under-used, despite its power to provide low-income students with a free meal at the end of every school day.
Continue reading Advocates Spread the Word About Afterschool Meal Program
The Girl Scouts have introduced their first badge dedicated to college exploration.
The College Knowledge Badge — launched in July —is for scouts in grades 11 and 12.
“By showing girls how to research the admission process, financial aid, and other key factors, our College Knowledge Badge meets a specific need and addresses the life skills girls have told us they’re interested in—and that many don’t find support for outside of Girl Scouts,” according to a recent post on the organization’s blog.
Continue reading Girl Scouts Introduce College Knowledge Badge
It takes more than good grades to make it in college.
Life skills also play a role in determining whether a student succeeds or struggles away from home and a recent New York Times op-ed encourages parents not to overlook the importance of fostering independence in their teen long before freshman orientation.
You might want to think twice before advising your students to find their passions.
Although the advice is well-intentioned, a new study suggests the guidance may encourage young people to close off their minds to other subjects.
Continue reading Find Your Passion? Experts Say the Advice May Lead Students Astray
For years, we’ve hammered home the importance of good grades, solid writing skills, and extracurricular activities to college-bound students.
But a new book, The Self-Driven Child, makes a compelling case that something less tangible — a sense of control over their lives — may ultimately determine the long-term success and happiness of today’s teens.
And that key component is missing for far too many young people, leaving them feeling “powerless and overwhelmed,” write co-authors William Stixrud and Ned Johnson. As a result, students on both ends of the achievement spectrum often leave high school unprepared to chart their own path in life.
Discuss the implications and share your own insights during a #NACACreads chat on Sept. 12. The hour-long discussion will kick off on Twitter at 9 p.m. ET.
Continue reading #NACACreads: Join Us for a Discussion of ‘The Self-Driven Child’
Many students with disabilities can graduate from high school and go on to college, yet an investigation by The Hechinger Report reveals that a disproportionate number of young people on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) suffer from low expectations when it comes to postsecondary planning.
“Interviews with more than 100 parents, students, advocates, and experts across the country painted a picture of a special education landscape where transition planning and services are largely neglected,” reporters Sarah Butrymowicz and Jackie Mader wrote in an article published late last year. “Students with disabilities who could pursue higher education or meaningful employment are instead living at home and working low-wage jobs.”
Others are unemployed or pushed into professions that don’t match their interests.
Continue reading Report: Bar Set Too Low for Students with Disabilities
The transition from high school to college can be more than a little challenging. From a different kind of course load to navigating dorm life, that first year can be daunting.
Continue reading Headed Off to School? Consider These Tips from a ‘College Freshman Survivor’
In recent years, we’ve learned more about successful strategies for boosting college access and academic success.
But for many schools, communities, and colleges, bringing those interventions to students has proven challenging, researcher Ben Castleman said Tuesday during a NACAC Facebook Live broadcast.
A new guide— Nudges, Norms, and New Solutions — seeks to fill that gap. The resource is available free of charge and offers step-by-step advice to help educators increase college access, help students file for financial aid, and stay on track academically.
Continue reading Do You Know When to Nudge? Watch Our Facebook Live Broadcast with Ben Castleman
