Headlines From The Nation's Press

Each week we open the show with some of the most glaring and reoccurring stories chronicling the ugliness surrounding youth sports organized by adults; issues pertaining to our children's health and education. These headlines clap like thunder across the country signaling a warning to parents, coaches, administrators, lawmakers, and community stakeholders that widespread change is imperative.

My good friend, and frequent guest on the show, Professor Doug Abrams of the College of Law at the University of Missouri, will add you to his daily mailing list of these stories. Simply email Doug and ask him to add your name to the list.

The Weekly High School Sports Report

Michael Hoffer, Sports Editor for the Forecaster, will report on high school sports, focusing on the "minor sports." We won't just be reporting scores and game results, but we'll focus on the kids who train hard and participate in those sports that receive less adult and media involvement. That said, Mike will keep us informed of all post season playoffs and tournament results, as well as behind-the-scenes and human interest happenings.

The Main(e) Event

The Professors, David Ruff, and Mark Kostin are back with another important topic: the importance of completing a high school course of study to be ready for college level work. This week, Dr. Scott Perry, Coordinator of Developmental Mathematics at the University of Southern Maine, will be a special guest. Joining us in studio will be two USM Seniors, Holly Stevens and Tara Yandian, who will share their experiences with us.

An education topic that has recently received significant national and statewide attention is ensuring high school graduates are “college ready.”  During this show we will explore exactly what it means to be college ready and what happens to students who enroll in college but are not ready.  The transition into college can be difficult and overwhelming for unprepared students.

Many first-year college students are unprepared for the demanding workload and high academic expectations in college classes.  High schools may not be able to prepare students for all the many changes and challenges they will experience in college, but high schools can certainly take steps to prepare all students for college-level work.

Although not every student will choose to enroll in college, the goal of every high school should be to prepare all students to take that next step. Just as more high school graduates are choosing to attend college than ever before, more adults—both younger and older—are deciding to attend college later in life. These individuals have recognized that a college degree will give them the skills they need to pursue the careers they want to have.  

In Maine, slightly more than 80% of 8^th graders say they wish to go to college.  However, for every 100 incoming high school freshmen, 22 will drop out before graduation, 56 state they will go on to college, 51 will be accepted to college, 39 will actually enroll, and only 23 will graduate with a bachelor’s degree within six years. 

Nationally, only 51% of incoming college freshmen are ready for college level English, 41% are ready for college level math, and only 26% are ready for college level science.  Students who are admitted, but not ready for college level work in core subject areas are assigned to remedial or developmental college courses.  While students have an opportunity to better ready themselves for 100 level college work in these courses, there are several disadvantages in being enrolled in these classes.  First, they cost money.  Second, they have the effect of delaying a student’s graduation because they do not count toward their degree.  And finally, students who enter college and are enrolled in these courses are much less likely to graduate from college. 

The University of Maine System has now listed the courses students should have taken in high school to be optimally prepared for success in college.  The problem is these courses differ substantially from what the state of Maine currently requires for a high school degree.  Further, there are vast differences between what school systems in Maine require for graduation.  What’s worse, is that within the same high school, two students can graduate with one leaving college ready and the other not at all.  So what are parents and student to do?  Please join us for a very informational show about the importance of engaging in a college ready high school course of study.

The Coaches Corner

Remember: 1) These are just kids. Don't treat them like adults.  2) Make no mistake! It's about them having fun. Not you! It's not your game, so be sure you don't take it away from them. 3) First and foremost, you are a teacher and a role model. The most important lessons you teach will have nothing to do with the game you are coaching.

The Parent Trap

Check out my blog on Mainetoday.com for some interesting articles, and comments from readers.

 http://www.mainetoday.com/kidsfamily/blogs/kidsfirst/008162.html Your comments are appreciated and wanted.

We invite our listeners to call in and share their views.

Listeners can take part in the show by calling:

207-775-2217 or 1-866-811-9505.

or email me during the show at:

Regis@thecenterforkidsfirst.org