Dibels, MAP, PSAT, STAR, Terra Nova—there are so many tests in school these days! How can parents make sense of what standardized tests their child takes? What is a healthy approach to testing for both parents and students? What are the tests for, anyway? Veteran school administrator Tom Burns shares answers to these questions and more.

RESOURCES

Testing, Testing 1-2-3

Worthington Christian School Viewbook

The familiar words of Jesus to "love your neighbor as yourself" seem so simple, but the pace of modern life—and parenting—makes it difficult for us to love our neighbors well and model this for our children. In this conversation, Dave Runyon speaks from the heart on the importance of being good neighbors and how this impacts our kids. What benefits (and challenges) arise when families endeavor to be good neighbors? Why would families choose to prioritize being present in their neighborhoods? What are practical ways that families can move together toward becoming better neighbors? With years of experience as a high school teacher, pastor, and father of four, Runyon provides insights from the book he co-authored The Art of Neighboring.

RESOURCES

Worthington Christian School's Affordability Guide

How has the college admissions process changed in the last few years? What is "test-optional" and what impact has it had on college admissions? What qualities are colleges looking for in applicants? What do high school students and parents need to know as they plan for the future? Austin Martin, Assistant Director of Domestic Recruitment at The Ohio State University, offers insight into these questions and more.

RESOURCES

Worthington Christian School Viewbook

More Than A Number: Holistic College Admissions

Though dyslexia is the most diagnosed learning disorder, it is often misunderstood. Perhaps you’ve noticed your young child reverse letters and numbers as they write. Maybe you’ve heard your older student consistently struggle to read out loud. Or it may be that you’ve witnessed your child face difficulties in reading fluency, spelling, or getting their thoughts out on a page. Which of these are “normal” parts of learning to read, and which signs indicate a child may need additional help? What do parents need to know about the reading process, and what should they do if they suspect their child is experiencing atypical reading challenges? Literacy expert Blythe Wood shares insights to address these questions and more.

RESOURCES

International Dyslexia Association 

Orton-Gillingham Academy

Academic Language Therapy Association

Children's Dyslexia Centers, Inc. 

Kindergarten Readiness Guide

In working with three generations of college students as a counselor and professor, Dr. Mike Hayes has seen significant shifts in how young people perceive and engage the topic of mental health. He has also seen one underlying current remain largely the same. Are students nowadays entering college with strong mental and emotional well-being? What mental and emotional impact are COVID and social media having on our youth? How can parents help to prepare their kids (of all ages) for the road ahead of them? Dr. Hayes discusses these questions and more, providing research-based data and personal, anecdotal insight into the current realities of young people and mental health.

RESOURCES

NY Times article on The Mental Health Crisis among U.S. Teens

World Health Organization journal on Mental Health and College Students

Learn more about Worthington Christian School

"Healthy relationships" are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when we think about child sex trafficking, yet the two are powerfully connected. Serving in a ministry for child sex trafficking survivors over the last five years, Elisha McNeal has seen and heard countless stories of how young people end up in places of unimaginable pain--and very unhealthy relationships are so often the common denominator. Who is susceptible to trafficking? What do parents need to know about this topic? How can parents guide their children to develop and maintain healthy friendships and relationships with others? Elisha answers these questions and more in this insightful conversation.

Elisha is the Director of Community Engagement and Training at Gracehaven, a ministry of Central Ohio Youth for Christ that seeks to end child sex trafficking in Ohio.

RESOURCES

Healthy Relationships in Middle School

Famed college football coach Woody Hayes is known for saying, "You can never pay back. So you should always try to pay forward." And that is what Dr. Mike Hayes hopes to do at Worthington Christian School—not only pay forward but lead the school so that students live their lives paying forward the grace and truth of God.

As was announced in December of 2021, Dr. Hayes will join WC's rich history of leaders in July 2022 as the new Head of School. Coinciding with WC's upcoming 50th anniversary, this is an extraordinary time for the entire school community. As the person responsible for inspiring a shared vision and pathway for WC to move forward into the future, it's essential that we have an idea of who Dr. and Mrs. Hayes are and what story God is writing in their lives. The topics we'll cover in this episode include:

The length of this conversation (over 45 minutes) reflects the significance of this moment for WC and the Hayes family. We hope you can catch a glimpse of God's hand at work in and through them, both past and present. Join our excitement for what God has planned at WC in this next chapter.

What does it mean to have synergy in parenting? What factors can contribute to a fragmented worldview? How can parents who feel ill-equipped to disciple their children take steps towards intentional parenting? Dr. Larry Taylor, President of the Association of Christian Schools International and author of the book "Running with the Horses," shares insights on these questions. He draws on many years of experience as a Christian educator and school administrator and his years of raising five sons.

RESOURCES

Running with the Horses: A Parenting Guide for Raising Children to Be Servant-Leaders for Christ

Learn more about Worthington Christian School.

Margaret Peterson Haddix is a New York Times best-selling author. She has more than 40 published titles of children's literature and juvenile fiction, including The Shadow Children series and The Children of Exile series. In this episode, Haddix shares author insights on the power of story, changes she has seen in reading habits and books over the last 25 years, and offers wisdom to parents as they walk alongside young readers.

Deciding what educational path is best for our children is one of the most significant decisions we parents make. Nowadays, there are many factors to consider in this decision—family values and priorities, each child's unique disposition and needs, available resources, and more. Add to those factors the myriad of public, private, and homeschooling schooling options. The decision-making process can feel overwhelming. Experienced home educator Abby Rettstatt offers a glimpse of her journey in making these big parenting decisions and provides wisdom and insight for parents on their own.

RESOURCES

"The Way They Learn" --book by Cynthia Tobias  This is an excellent resource for helping parents "learn" their child's learning styles and strengths.

"Mama Bear Apologetics"--book by Hillary Morgan Ferrer  This book is helpful for exploring all educational choices, especially high school.