Sylvan Learning Provides Tips for Parents to Help Increase Math & Reading Success for Children

BALTIMORE, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as the "Nation's Report Card," released in early November, revealed how students in the fourth and eighth grades are showing improvement in mathematics and reading. However, fewer than half the students assessed performed at or above the "Proficient" level in both subjects. Thus, this year's assessment serves as a reminder to the nation's parents about how their children are currently performing in school – and that they can set the bar higher for educational achievement.

"Such small gains are deflating, but we are encouraged by many of the positive changes taking place in our nation's school systems, and we know that a point-in-time test score does not adequately capture the momentum that is building," said Jeffrey Cohen, Chief Executive Officer at Sylvan Learning. "Still, we are concerned because too few of today's students will graduate from college or complete high school ready to succeed in a career. While schools are undergoing the changes that are necessary to increase academic performance, we must provide resources to parents so they can participate actively in educating their children."

Sylvan Learning's tips for parents to help their children conquer math and reading include the following: strengthening core skills, leveraging technology, instilling confidence and making real world connections.

In addition, Sylvan offers the following free resources for parents and their children to help them navigate their educational journey:

• Fit 4 Algebra Challenge — Parents receive an assessment to determine whether their children are prepared to succeed in algebra, as well as free resources to help them strengthen their skills.
• Sylvan Math Prep — An online collection of math videos helps parents and their children with on-the-spot homework assistance.
• BookAdventure.com — Children in grades K–8 can search for books and take quizzes on them to earn prizes for their reading success.
• Mom Minded — A blog that combines education and parenting advice to help moms navigate their children's journey to academic success and to promote a lifestyle of learning.

"Parents' proactive participation is not only about being present in the day-to-day learning activities but also about looking five years ahead to anticipate their child's needs," adds Cohen. "It is critical for parents to check their children's academic performance early and often. Doing so is one way to ensure the development of core skills and avoid falling behind later as courses and content become more complicated. Sylvan resources can also help accelerate growth, moving students performing at a Proficient level up to an Advanced level."

For more information about the NAEP, visit http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/.

For more information about Sylvan Learning's free resources and services, visit www.SylvanLearning.com.

About Sylvan Learning, Inc.
With more than 30 years of experience and more than 800 locations throughout North America, Sylvan Learning is the leading provider of personal learning for students in grades K–12. As the leader in supplemental education, Sylvan is transforming how students learn, inspiring them to succeed in school and in life. Sylvan's proven tutoring approach blends amazing teachers with SylvanSync™ technology on the iPad® for an engaging learning experience. Sylvan programs include study skills, math, reading, writing and test-prep for college entrance and state exams. Sylvan also provides educational services to public and nonpublic schools. The company was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, call 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit www.SylvanLearning.com or Sylvan's Mom Minded blog at www.SylvanLearning.com/blog.

SOURCE Sylvan Learning, Inc.