Why it’s Essential to be Proactive with Your Child’s Writing Skills

(Photo | Courtesy of Sylvan Learning Center)

By middle school, most teachers expect students to know how to write. And yet, many children aren’t prepared. A majority of students lack essential writing skills, such as how to properly structure a sentence and how to correctly use grammar. In fact, by eighth grade, only one in four students is a proficient or advanced writer. Elementary schools are juggling many priorities and only have so many minutes in a day. (We get it!) In recent years, helping students develop these strategic writing skills seems to have taken a back seat to other priorities. With the added stress of not knowing what school will actually look like this fall, the focus on writing will likely continue to diminish. Even though we all need a break from “school at home,” it’s important to go above and beyond when it comes to writing. Focusing on writing skills now can make a big impact on your child’s success and happiness later—both in school and in 21st century careers.

Written Communication Skills are VALUED 21st Century Skills Among Employers

86% — The percent of corporate recruiters who say strong communication skills are a top priority for hiring
+$$ — Employees with better writing skills tend to earn more money (particularly in fields like engineering and manufacturing, finance, management, legal and sales and marketing)
79% — The amount of organizations that have identified communication skills as a priority for employee development and succession planning
72% — The number of HR managers and other executives who say written communications skills are “very important” for job success

Unfortunately, there’s a Significant Skill Gap Between What Employers Expect … and What They’re Getting

81% — The percent of employers who say their recent high school hires have a skill gap in written communications
59% — The percent of employers who say their recent college/university hires do not have proficient oral/written communication skills

These Skill Gaps Start Back in Grade School

3% — The percent of 8th-graders who demonstrate advanced writing skills
3% — The percent of 12th-graders who demonstrate advanced writing skills
24% — The percent of 8th-graders who demonstrate proficient writing skills, meaning solid performance
24% — The percent of 12th-graders who demonstrate proficient writing skills, meaning solid performance
74% — The percent of 8th-graders who demonstrate basic or below basic writing skills (as in, they have partial to no understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to accomplish the purpose of writing)
73% — The percent of 12th-graders who only demonstrate basic or below basic writing skills (as in, they have partial to no understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to accomplish the purpose of writing)

Investing in a Sylvan Writing Program can Help Your Child

Whether you want to give your child a competitive edge or you simply want to help your child avoid unnecessary struggle… you can put your child on the right path with help from Sylvan! Voted Bend’s Best Tutor four years in a row, Sylvan provides writing programs that can help your child:

Develop the communication and critical thinking skills needed to excel in grade school, college/university and a range of careers
Score higher on tests (admissions tests, placement tests, school tests, etc.)
Bring home better grades
Hear much-needed praise from a tough teacher
Feel smarter and more self-assured as tricky concepts finally click
Stop butting heads with you every night over school writing assignments (yes!)
Make smarter use of time
Discover the joy that can come from effectively expressing oneself through written words
Build perseverance (no more giving up after ten minutes!)