Read about these tests and how they can serve students with learning disabilities in particular with this review. What Do Criterion-Referenced Tests Measure? Teachers use criterion-referenced tests to determine which specific concepts, such as parts of speech or adding fractions, a child has learned in class. Some tests are commercially produced and sold as part of a curriculum. The Brigance system is an example. Other teachers develop specific tests to complement their unique lesson plans....

As you take one of the tests out of its wrapping, you start to wonder how in the world peeing on this stick can possibly tell if you are pregnant. It’s a fair question—and one with a scientific answer. In general, home pregnancy tests operate by detecting the presence of a hormone that is only produced after a fertilized egg implants in your uterus. This functionality can limit home pregnancy tests in terms of accuracy and timing....

Boys and Puberty During puberty, boys may become more athletic thanks to added muscle and height. Even overweight boys may be inspired to exercise more, but obese boys may avoid physical activity due to embarrassment about their size. Researchers studied nearly 2,800 adolescents (both boys and girls) from 20 different middle schools and high schools. They found five different ways that kids this age try to build muscle. Two of the behaviors are potentially healthy: changed eating and exercise habits....

It’s Easy to Isolate Yourself Living the life of a stay-at-home mom makes it easy for you to isolate yourself from people. You’re home with the kids all day and on those occasions when you do leave the house, it’s usually to get groceries or make a diaper run. Don’t live in a bubble. You’ve never needed friendships more. Once you start isolating yourself, you become more and more withdrawn, which is not only lonely, it can lead to mommy burnout....

Sleep plays a vital role in all our lives, affecting the quality of life, overall health, and, importantly, fertility. Getting a good night’s sleep helps refresh and restore your brain and organ systems and regulate important hormones in your body – including fertility-related hormones. Lack of Sleep Can Affect Fertility-Related Hormones Unfortunately, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep....

Egg-freezing, also known as oocyte cryopreservation, is a fertility strategy that is widely accepted and growing increasingly popular among people who would like to pursue childrearing in the future. The process includes extracting, freezing, and storing the eggs. For each of these steps, there are costs. If you’re considering freezing your eggs, it’s important to understand the total cost of each part of the process, so you can be prepared—physically, emotionally, and financially—before undergoing treatment....

Think about it this way: would you be more motivated by a mean boss you didn’t like or by a helpful supervisor whom you respected? If you’re like most people, you’d do your best work when you’re under a great leader. Parents who provide good leadership and who have their child’s respect are also more likely to motivate their children to behave. One of the best ways to do that is by giving your child lots of attention....

Travel Systems MVP: The Car Seat When buying a baby travel system, you must choose the car seat first. While strollers add convenience, the car seat will keep your new baby safe in the car. Narrow down your choices quickly by selecting travel systems with car seats that fit tightly in your vehicle and that you can easily install and use. Look for 5-point harnesses on infant car seats, and check to see whether or not you can install the car seat without the travel system base in case you need to switch vehicles quickly....

A successful nighttime routine can make all the difference in keeping school mornings smooth and stress-free. We’ve turned to the experts to share their knowledge on how and why you need a predictable nighttime routine to ensure an efficient morning the next day. Keep reading to see how a nutritious dinner, a bedtime checklist, and a consistent routine can set your family up for success. Set a Good Foundation With a Healthy Diet Make sure your child has proper nutrition and a full belly, which will help them sleep longer and more deeply....

Where to Look and What to Ask When Trying to Find a Babysitter The best place to start looking is within the community you know, including your church, local schools, neighborhood, or your workplace. Once you have some options, it’s important to check references. These may come from teachers, youth group leaders or from other families who have used the sitter. When you contact families the sitter has worked for, ask how many kids they have....

Don’t Dismiss Their Feelings Telling your child not to worry about their fears may only make them feel like they’re doing something wrong by feeling anxious. Let them know it’s okay to feel bad about something and encourage them to share their emotions and thoughts. Listen You know how enormously comforting it can be just to have someone listen when something’s bothering you. Do the same thing for your child. If they don’t feel like talking, let them know you are there for them....

But what happens when a parent who doesn’t menstruate is tasked with the responsibility of having this talk with their child? How can they relate? We sat down with experts to learn more about how non-menstruating parents can feel empowered in this major developmental milestone and how to make this conversation go smoothly for everyone involved. Why the Period Talk Matters Every month, 1.8 billion people around the world menstruate....

Fortunately, there are things you can do to help ease the transition from your child’s old school to their new school. Whether you are preparing to move soon or getting settled in your new community now, we share what you need to know about this transition process below. You will learn how your child may be impacted and how long the transition will take as well as tips on how to make the process a smooth one....

Cats and dogs might be the most common pets in the U.S., but sometimes kids want something a little more exotic—and often parents give in to their pleas. If your child is desperate for a pet with a hard shell rather than a furry coat, think twice before bringing a small turtle into your home. Not only is it against the law to sell these little guys as pets, but they could also make you sick....

Advanced learning and understanding can lead to anxious thoughts. Gifted kids also may struggle socially and emotionally. As a parent, it is important to understand the unique challenges gifted kids can experience. You can be a source of comfort and reassurance, especially when these challenges leave your child feeling vulnerable and insecure (which, in turn, can lead to behavior issues). Challenges Gifted Children May Face While reading high-level books or solving complex math problems might come easily for your child, other areas might be a challenge....

A child who doesn’t know how to manage his anger may exhibit aggressive behavior and frequent angry outbursts. Similarly, a child who doesn’t know what to do when he feels sad may spend hours pouting by himself. When children don’t understand their emotions, they may also avoid anything that feels uncomfortable. For example, a child who is really shy in social situations may avoid joining a new activity because she lacks confidence in her ability to tolerate the discomfort associated with trying new things....

Teaching About the Wind One fun way to teach your child about wind is by flying a kite. This is such a great activity all children should experience, and it’s also a fantastic opportunity to educate. Kites tend to be difficult for toddlers to manage on their own, between the pull of the wind and their own strength. Of course, toddlers have barely mastered walking, so they can’t get the running start necessary to launch a kite into the air....

Until my second son was born. That adorable but colicky, reflux-afflicted, and oh-so-sensitive baby threw my whole world into chaos. He didn’t sleep. He didn’t breastfeed well. He wanted to be held All. The. Time. And suddenly, so many things I had cared about as a first-time mom weren’t important anymore. I switched to formula-feeding two weeks after birth, lost all track of time within our day-to-day routine, and—once—literally watched my older son fish some Cheerios out from underneath the couch and eat them without saying a word (because I was just too tired to care)....

With over 19,500 languages and dialects spoken in India, baby names can vary from region to region, giving rise to a plethora of interesting baby names. Most Indian names are in Hindi or Urdu that have roots in Indo-Aryan languages like Sanskrit, along with influences of Persian and Arabic. Many names like Pooja, Rohit, Anjali, and Jai are timeless, and they never grow old. Additionally, other options climb the popularity charts as parents look for new and unique names for their babies....

These goals can be challenging to meet on days when you are stuck inside, though—especially if you feel like you are short on ideas. To make getting moving a little easier, we have put together some activities you can do at home to make sure your toddler stays active and engaged. Plan to do several activities each day and stretch each activity to 10 minutes or longer if your toddler’s attention span will allow it....