Academic success

reading.jpgOn May 11 — the day of celebrating the mothers in our lives and all they do for us — the National Center for Family Literacy is encouraging moms to renew their commitment to making reading a daily habit for the family.

“Those fond times spent in a rocking chair reading with your mom are more than memories,” said Sharon Darling, president & founder of the National Center for Family Literacy. “They are critical for children’s future academic success. That’s right, your performance on tests and in school is greatly influenced by your mother’s education level and involvement in your schooling.” [continue reading…]

student-sitting-exam.jpgWe all know the story of a man named Brady and the group that somehow formed a family. But if the iconic ‘70s sitcom about a “blended” family reflected reality, the Brady Bunch likely would have been dealing with much more than silly sibling squabbles.Here’s the real story: On average, adolescents living with half- or stepsiblings have lower grades and more school-related behavior problems, and these problems may not improve over time, according to Florida State University Assistant Professor of Sociology Kathryn Harker Tillman. [continue reading…]

stimulants_low.jpg Academic crunch-time can cause young adults to misuse some drugs
(Credit: Image courtesy of University of Michigan Health System)
 
The performance pressures from end-of-semester exams and papers can take a toll on students, even leading them to turn to potentially harmful substances to keep them awake and alert. [continue reading…]