News
Keep Youth on Top of Their Academics? Text Them.
In a 2015 Huffington Post article, author Sam Levine argues that we may be able to get students to participate more in time-sensitive or descision-making activities if we connect with them though text messages. Citing a number of state, federal and institutional campaigns recently using texting and emails to get stronger responses from audiences, Levine…
Read MoreSummer Safety and Summer Enrichment Go Hand in Hand!
Summer schedules present many students with more free time than they traditionally have during the school year. The U.S. Military Health System spoke recently with Army Lt. Col. Jean Burr, Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center about the risks associated with youth and summertime activities: “summer presents a special problem because…
Read MoreJUNE – NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH, LGBT PRIDE MONTH
Youth and Summer Safety Summer is upon us! June is National Safety Month and school programs and families are encouraged to remember summertime safety needs of youth. The Center for Disease Control’s 2016 summer recommendations include reviewing heat and sun safety, safe water practices, safe home and camp behaviors, and can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/features/kidssafety/.…
Read MoreSchools Show High Rates of Positive Connections
As we near the end of the 2015-16 school year, schools are beginning to reflect on their programming, including the after school and inclusion activities they employ to support the interests and needs of students. Currently, 75% of 5457 high school students and 78% of 9435 middle school students report in “Meaningful Participation” surveys there…
Read MoreDrug and Alcohol Statistics
Direction Survey’s 2016 Drugs and Alcohol categories reveal 89% of middle school students report understanding the dangers of the use of alcohol and drugs. In the past 30 days, 5% of middle school students report being offered, sold, or given illegal drugs on school property. Additionally, 5% of students report in the Alcohol category having…
Read MoreEdTech Company Revolutionizes Data Gathering in Schools with Online Survey Platform
Murrieta, California – Vanden Corporation, a provider of educational solutions, announced the launch of Direction Survey. Direction Survey is a data-gathering tool, enabling schools access to a bank of education related questions, where they can create their own surveys for students, staff and parents. Using the latest technology and a mobile friendly platform, schools are…
Read MorePerceptions of “Friend” Bullying Proves a Challenge for Middle School Audiences
Student perceptions of what bullying is and how it occurs continues to be varied in schools. When asked to indicate an understanding of different kinds of bullying behavior, Direction Survey Bullying data approximately 46% of students in grades 6-8 reported their friends routinely say mean things to them, thinking they are simply joking around. Penn…
Read MoreStudent Health Goes Hand-in-Hand with Academic Performance
We are successfully navigating another school year, and the most recent numbers on students’ desire to succeed in school are looking optimistic. Data from Direction Survey Fall 2015 early assessments reveals that 96% of 9-12th graders and 91% of 6-8th graders surveyed are motivated this year to do well in school. Educators and school staff…
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