They want children to be more “academically fit” so they can succeed in today’s increasingly competitive world.

Parents can help children rise to the challenge. First, have high expectations yourself for what your child can do and learn. You can also:

• Find out what your child is supposed to learn this year in key subjects like math, science, history and English.

• Discuss what kinds of projects and assignments your child will have to help her meet learning objectives.

• Ask what you can do to support what’s happening in the classroom.

• Encourage your child to read at least 30 minutes a day.

• Encourage writing to pen pals, relatives and in journals.

• Engage your child in “home math.” For example, ask him to figure the amount of material needed to build something. Or let him calculate how much milk your family consumes in a day or week.

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