Most mothers identify with role of 'Chief Education Officer' according to a Sylvan Learning survey
A new Sylvan Learning survey, conducted online by Harris Interactive among 5,000 U.S. adults in December 2013, finds that nearly 9 in 10 mothers of school-aged children regard themselves as having principal responsibility for their child's academics. According to the survey, 88% of moms of children aged 6-17 actually see themselves in the role of "Chief Education Officer."
"Sylvan has long recognized that the best educational outcomes are the result of strong partnerships and cooperation between families and educators," said Jeffrey Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, Sylvan Learning. "Mothers have always been at the forefront of that relationship. But we are especially encouraged to see that they now realize that they must ramp up their game as 'Chief Education Officers' to ensure their children succeed when schools are under-resourced or children need supplementary learning support."
The survey indicates that most mothers also plan to increase the role they play in their children's academic lives. In fact, a majority (80%) of moms of school-aged children revealed that they plan to take a more active role in their students' education in the upcoming year.
"Most mothers today realize that students often may need more than schools can provide," said Cohen. "According to the survey, four in five moms-79%-agree that using outside academic resources to supplement in-school instruction helps ensure they are doing the best they can for their children."
To help moms become more effective Chief Education Officers, Sylvan Learning is offering five simple tips:
Engage actively in your children's education. Do more than ask "How was school today?" Check homework daily, help set homework and study schedules, join the PTA and volunteer at school.
Develop a relationship with your children's teachers. Communicate with them regularly. Learn how they prefer to communicate-email, phone or face-to-face. Listen to teachers' advice and counsel, and ask for suggestions on what other things you can do to help your children.
Seek information and be a smart education consumer. Just as you would research medical treatment for your children or the proper sports equipment to succeed on the field, explore programs and services within and outside your children's school.
Set a good example. Parents who read every day have children who read every day. Be an educational role model for your children.
Motivate learning through encouragement and rewarding positive behavior. Nagging is a short-term solution. Inspiration will have a lifelong impact.
For additional tips and resources, contact your local Sylvan center at 1-800-31-SUCCESS or visit us on the web at www.sylvanlearning.com.
Survey Methodology: The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Sylvan Learning from Dec. 18-23, 2013 among 5,082 adults age 18 and older, of whom 471 are mothers of children age 6-17 living in their household. This online survey is not based on a probability sample, and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
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.