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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-07-11, Page 3Wednesday,July 13, 2005 Exeter Times–Advocate 3 Exeter soccer action Parents need help with math Nicole Willis and Carson DeRuiter work together to prevent a goal June 28 while (below) Madisson Vanneste goes after the ball for her U-9 team against Parkhill. (photos/Pat Bolen) By Stew Slater SPECIAL TO THE T -A SEAFORTH — Parents need help if they hope to help their elementary school -aged children suc- ceed in math, according to an online survey conduct- ed recently by the Avon Maitland District School Board. The recommendation is based on findings from 811 parent surveys sub- mitted electronically between May 2-13. According to Williams' report to trustees, "while few (elementary school) parents reported difficul- ties helping their children with reading or writing, 23 per cent have difficulty with mathematics." He said this is one of three main areas of con- cern which could be addressed through parent forums — along with strategies for providing more input for school- based decisions and school fundraising issues. The education director was encouraged, however, by other findings in the survey's "Teaching and Learning" section. Contrary to the impres- sion he says is sometimes portrayed in the popular media, a relatively small percentage — 20 per cent — of parents "feel over- whelmed by the amount of homework their child brings home." And 91 per cent "report- ed being satisfied with the overall quality of educa- tion their child was receiv- ing." "That's a high percent- age and expresses a high level of confidence in our rQcltSavings zviy MOSt ItQms 50% „Ai off or more -Last day Friday, ply 15rn 0PERA k�G W o} ,i � n a en en } aQ YOUR INDEPENDENT GROCER ©''RN G 62 Thames Rd. E., EXETER 235-6131 board," Williams com- mented. An even higher percent- age of parents — 94 per cent — "report their child feels safe at school." But Williams was quick to add that's no reason to ease up entirely on safety con- cerns. Results from another area which receives con- siderable media attention were surprising. Just 54 per cent of par- ents "indicated they knew how well the students in their child's school did on the provincial (standard- ized) assessments." "I found that low, partic- ularly given the publicity that those results get," Williams said. For trustees Tina Traschel and Doug Pratley, however, it was results from the "Board Information" section which raised concern. During his presentation to trustees, Williams spent little time on this section, saying only that the result is in line with "widely held results in similar surveys in other locations." Pressed by the trustees, he said the public tends to place a higher level of con- fidence in institutions which they perceive to be close at hand, such as the local school. The school board, he suggested, lies somewhere in between and shouldn't expect to achieve an exceptionally high rating. Following the meeting, Williams told reporters, "we may not be giving out enough information about how the money is spent." He added parent forums may provide a way for the board to determine what those areas are. hensa l.by.c'esign july 16 & 17, 2005 10am•5pm The Village of Hensall is hosting our second annual event to raise funds, raise profile and increase a sense of community and pride. JURIED ART SHOW & SALE ICE SCULPTURE SHOWCASE FLORA-GANZA... A Garden Tour de Force and Flower Show GARDEN ART MART and... IleSp�tliE,iteace Artists contact: JAN HOOVER (519) 262-3545 janhoover99@hotmail.com General inquiries: ANN BAYLEY (519) 262-3500 ann@iceculture.com Advertisement sponsored by iceculture i/IC. Hensall 1-888-251-9967 HARRY� POTTER and the Half -Blood Prince STORE OPENING Fri., July 15th AT 11:30 P.M. Sales start at midnight til 2:00 a.m. HARRY POTTER and he HaI/-Bload Prince � 1 L SAGA BOUND BOOK STORE 21 Main St., Grand Bend 238-2508 Open Sat. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.