Summer vacation is almost here. Programs and activities fill quickly, and parents often feel the pressure to grab spots while they can. This is especially true for parents unable to be home with their children during the summer break, and those who fear kids will...

With the recent debate over measuring student growth versus proficiency making headlines, it seems like a good time to explore how these two concepts relate to the educational experiences of Austin public school students. First, some definitions: student growth refers...

With the holidays past, spring break on tap and summer still a few months away, March is a great time to take stock of how your child’s school year has gone and think about what lies ahead. It’s also a great time for kids to reflect on where their interests lie—...

Last month, I wrote of the impressive efforts being made to bring social and emotional learning into Austin schools, where mindfulness and other techniques are helping children manage their emotions more productively. This month, I take a look at something that stands...

Ati Wongsaroj, a teacher at Webb Middle School in Austin, began her class on a recent Tuesday as she does every day—with classical music, low lights and journaling, followed by a recorded meditation. This day, her 8th graders listened to a deep breathing and centering...

Selecting winter holiday gifts for children can be a challenge, especially when you strive to combine educational benefit, affordability and fun. Here is a look at five toys that may give you some food for thought, including reactions from a few local families...

On November 8, voters will cast their ballots to decide who will be our next president. It’s a big moment for the nation and a great opportunity to share a bit of history with your child, as we all witness our democracy in action. Even so, with the intensity that has...

Some of us are visual learners, and some of us are auditory learners, right? It seems like an accepted part of education: we each learn best when information is presented a preferred way. But current thinking in many scholarly circles says this assumption may be...

Many schools have beginning of the year parent conferences. Be prepared with your questions to get the most out of this time with your child’s teacher. Debbie Shiabu, executive director of the Association of Private Schools; Anne Davis, education contributor for the...

The receiving line at a co-worker’s funeral. Chair-side at a sister’s chemotherapy treatment. The first time you meet your baby nephew, who happens to have Down Syndrome. Everyone has been in the dreaded “what the heck am I supposed to say?” position, and no one has...

Summertime is the perfect time to keep your child’s mind sharp, increase his or her confidence and delve into subjects and skills that capture your child’s interest. Plenty of local camps provide learning opportunities, from learning to code and building robots to...

Long summer days can be made magical with the transformations that come from reading a good book. There are 
libraries filled with the classics, as well as books new to the scene. Harry Potter and Magic Tree House. Dr. Seuss and Eric 
Carle. There are timeless...