by guest blogger Jennifer Benoit of Tutor Doctor Raleigh-Durham
According to the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State*, our children will be facing more diverse needs in the job market than ever. At the recent Superintendent’s Breakfast in Wake County, I had the opportunity to hear Dr. James Zuiches (NCSU) speak. He relayed data and figures that made me consider the path of the students we serve through tutoring along with the path of my own son.
See the data below taken from the Institute:
- North Carolina’s colleges and universities (both public and private) are expected to produce only 254,000 of these workers.
Out of every 100 8th-graders in North Carolina:
- 58 graduate from high school
- 38 attend college
- 28 return for a second year
- 18 graduate from college
A study by the Pew Charitable Trust indicated that high-quality early childhood education programs reduce the high school drop-out rate by about 25 percent.
- Roughly 60 percent of available jobs in the U.S. require skills possessed by only 20 percent of the workforce.
- One-third of students enrolled in the University of North Carolina system come from just four counties, all of them urban: Wake, Mecklenburg, Guilford, and Forsyth.
Not only that, but he also noted this fact. “In North Carolina, 85 percent of new jobs in the near future (many still unknown) will require education beyond high school."
Why This Is Important to You
This is important to all families as they begin to see the expectations of colleges change. Many are expecting several years of a foreign language and many students need to start with Algebra sooner than later so they can finish the courses needed for college OR so they can test out of the college courses. According to Greatschools.org, "Algebra is frequently called the gatekeeper subject. It is used by professionals ranging from electricians to architects to computer scientists.”
Algebra I: Now or later?
“Students typically take algebra in eighth or ninth grade. The benefit of studying it in eighth grade is that if your child takes the PSAT as a high school sophomore, she will have completed geometry. By the time she's ready to take the SAT or ACT as a junior, she will have completed algebra II, which is covered in both of these college admissions tests.” - GreatSchools.org
Where To Go From Here
As you continue to watch your child grow, keep an eye on their skills, dreams, and grades. Making sure they have the most opportunities available to them is helpful, but not always the best. If a child is stressed by the parent to perform above their skill or developmental ability, it does not help anyone’s relationship or future. Continue to have open and honest conversations with your child and all of the child’s educators (teachers, tutors, etc.) to see where the child is at both emotionally, socially, and academically.
Jennifer Benoit co-owns Tutor Doctor Raleigh-Durham and took Algebra 1 in 8th grade, then College Algebra in her freshman year at Wheelock College, Boston. Today, she still uses algebraic concepts often and encourages families to help children learn mathematical concepts well. If you would like to talk further about getting your child assistance in their academic careers, please call 919-381-5176 or email jbenoit@tutordoctor.com
*Parts of this article were taken from the NCSU Institute for Emerging Issues and GreatSchools.org websites.
This rticle was written by Jennifer Benoit, MSA, co-owner of Tutor Doctor Raleigh-Durham. She has been in the field of education for over twenty years and is currently also an adjunct professor at an area community college. She is passionate about seeing children as well as families succeed both educationally and personally. If you feel your child struggles with reading and would like a free in-home consultation, please call Tutor Doctor at 919.381.5176.
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