Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/300258
hvparent.com n Hudson Valley Parent 25 of a button, the teachers we spoke to all said they're putting less stress on regurgitating information and more on analyzing material. But even though students today might think that Google is going to save them the trouble of memorizing state cap- itals, Potts points out that one thing hasn't changed. "You still have to know your con- tent," he says. "No matter if it's 1850 or 2014, you can't escape the reality that you have to know something. And you have to learn it well in order to be conversant in it." Engaged parents Just as the same traits that defined top students 20 years ago are the same ones that define them today — motivation, dedication and the ability to analyze and interpret information as opposed to sim- ply memorizing it — teachers are finding out that the same types of parents who were engaged in their child's school life back then are the same types that are engaged today. "I don't see parents today as radi- cally different," says Potts. "You can still apply the 'one third' rule: one third of all parents are consistently engaged, one third are sort of involved and then there are one third that are unfortunately not engaged in their child's learning." But just like students, the engaged parents of today have access to new tools and technologies that are allowing them to make a difference like never before. "Parents have a lot more access to educational materials that are written in a parent friendly manner so they can advocate for their kids," says Potts. "In 1990 they didn't have access to that, and they assumed the teacher or the school was the authority. Today they are able to question what is going on in their school, question teachers, question administrators." Growing partnership While older students may not be as motivated as they used to be, teachers are finding out that today's engaged and empowered parents are more motivated than ever before — a development that the teachers couldn't be happier about. Today, teachers and parents are meeting, calling and emailing each other throughout the week. And it's that growing partnership between teachers and parents that might hold the key to getting today's unmotivat- ed students back on track. "I always tell the kids, 'We're on the same side, your parents and I,'" says Worthington. "You need to be on the same side as us." Brian PJ Cronin is a freelance writer who lives in Beacon with his wife and son. You can visit him on- line at brianpjcronin.com. B e e k m a n G o l f . c o m Golf! A Summer Program for Kids and Teens Fun • Relaxed Atmosphere 6 -16 yrs old • Co-ed programs • All skill levels ½ day and full day • Range and on-course play Taught by PGA & LPGA golf professionals Equipment available June 30-Aug 22 Call or register online: Beekman Golf Academy at Beekman Golf Course 11 Country Club Drive, Hopewell Junction 845-489-1444 845-518-6901