A new report by LFA and Grunwald Associates, with support from AT&T, examines how parents perceive the value of mobile devices, how they see their children using mobiles, and what they think of the possibilities for mobile learning.
Road Trip to Success: Engaging Families and Children in Coopersville
Story posted March, 2008
Results:
• Higher test scores for at-risk children
• Increased parent involvement in school activities
• Greater family participation in out-of-school educational activities
The more life experiences children have, the greater their success in school. Studies show that children from less affluent households often come to school with underdeveloped language skills. A typical child in a low-income household hears 600 words an hour, while atypical middle class child hears 2,000. Plus, children in low-income families often have fewer life experiences like trips to children's museums, visits to the library and outings with their family. An innovative family involvement program in Michigan aims to change this equation.
As a spin off from its parenting workshops, the Coopersville Area Public Schools created the "Road Trips Before Bedtime" program to involve families and their children in activities and outings that are both fun and educational. The program targets children considered at risk of failing in school, individually inviting each of their families to attend the road trips. About a third of Coopersville's elementary students are from low-income households.
The road trips occur throughout the school year and into the summer months. They are open to all families in the community and take place in the evenings so entire families can participate. Trips include the price of admission, box lunches, and ideas for follow-up activities families can pursue together at home.
Road Trips are not only exciting but also educationally sound. During the trips, children learn a variety of math and science concepts and hear new vocabulary, which we believe supports their success in school.
The trips' popularity has been skyrocketing. In 2004, eighty people attended the first road trip to see a production of The Princess and the Pea at the Aquinas College Circle in the Park Theatre. Subsequent trips to nature centers, theaters, children's museums and state parks have been attended by ever-growing numbers of people, with nearly 900 participants signing up for trips last fall! Before the trips, busy families often do not realize that these facilities were so inexpensive, or that they existed at all. After the trips, families often return to facilities on their own.
The success of "Road Trips Before Bedtime" is clear. The at-risk children involved in the program have made significant strides in basic reading scores, language development and motor skills, and parent involvement in school functions has risen this fall. The program has secured grants through Coopersville Area Public Schools, the school board and Coopersville Early Childhood Programs. The Grand Rapids Press, the American School Board Journal, and Richard M. DeVos have all recognized its unique achievements.
Further details about this story can be found in:
"Broadening Learning Opportunities: Coopersville Area Public Schools," The American School Board Journal 2007 "Magna" Awards
For additional information, please contact:
Rose Wieten
Special Education Teacher and At-Risk Coordinator
(616) 997-3314
rwieten@coopersville.k12.mi.us
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