Educational Survey Findings: Social responsibility linked to good grades

June 3, 2009

With the summer holidays on the horizon, many families are looking forward to fun in the sun. However, those families eager to help their child prepare for a successful school year might consider a more non-traditional method of summer learning – volunteering in the community. According to a recent educational study, Canadian students who volunteer in their community or are motivated to volunteer are more likely to be receiving above-average grades in school.

The more than 1,000 Canadian parents of children between the ages of five and 15 surveyed by Ipsos-Reid for Kumon Math and Reading Centres indicated that more than half of the children performing at an above average level in school are already volunteering or are encouraged to get involved in the community.

"It is inspiring to see this connection between education and social responsibility in Canada," explains Dr. Donna McGhie-Richmond, educational specialist with Kumon Math and Reading Centres. "Kumon's vision has always been the improvement of society through education. It is gratifying to see children in communities across Canada bring this vision to life."

97 per cent of parents of children who perform at an above-average level at school and participate in volunteer activities agree that their child's community involvement helps them succeed in their education both in and out of the classroom. Moreover, 75 per cent of those parents believe that their child's educational experiences inspire them to become more involved in volunteering and charitable acts.

These young volunteers are not only experiencing success in school; they are inspiring others to join their efforts. The findings showed that 27 per cent of parents of children who volunteer report being inspired to become more involved in the community because of their child's efforts. "Today's children are becoming role-models for their parents; demonstrating how to get involved and make a difference," adds Dr. McGhie-Richmond.

Dr. McGhie-Richmond and Kumon Math and Reading Centres invite families to support their child's growth for the coming school year by volunteering in their community. More information on organizations in your community looking for volunteers can be found online at www.charityvillage.ca/applicant/volunteer.asp.

More information on the Kumon program is available online at www.kumon.com.

IPSOS-REID METHODOLOGY

These are the findings of a poll conducted on behalf of Kumon Canada from April 6 to April 10, 2009. This online survey of 1,024 Canadian adults was conducted via the Ipsos I-Say Online Panel, Ipsos-Reid's national online panel. The results of this poll are based on a sample where quota sampling and weighting are employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the actual Canadian population according to Census data. An unweighted probability sample of this size, with a 100% response rate, would have an estimated margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had the entire adult population of Canada with children been polled.

ABOUT KUMON MATH AND READING CENTRES

Kumon is an after-school math and reading program. The learning method uses a systematic individualized approach that helps children develop a solid command of math and reading skills. Through daily practice and mastery of materials, students increase confidence, improve concentration and develop better study skills. Kumon has 26,000 centres in 45 countries and more than four million students studying worldwide. Kumon Canada is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario. To learn more visit www.kumon.com or call 1-800-ABC-MATH.

For more information contact:
Daniel Wooster
Public Relations Manager
Kumon Canada Inc.
Phone: 1-800-266-6681 ext. 2265
Cell: 647-501-4461
Email: dwooster@kumon.com
Website: www.kumon.com

Click here to view our Sources Listing

Topics:

• Academic Excellence
• After School Programs
• Children/Learning to Read
• Children's Programs
• Continuous Learning
• Critical Thinking
• Curriculum/Elementary & Secondary
• Early Learning
• Early Reading
• Educational Programs
• Educational Resources
• Home Schooling
• Homework
• Independent Learning
• Learning
• Learning Materials
• Learning Styles
• Learning Support Systems
• Learning/Teaching Strategies
• Literacy
• Literacy Programs
• Mathematics Education
• Preschool Programs
• Reading
• Reading & Language
• Reading Skills
• Reading & Writing
• School Readiness
• School Success
• Self-Esteem/Children
• Self-Paced Learning
• Skills Training
• Standardized Testing
• Student Motivation
• Student Testing
• Study Habits & Skills
• Supplemental Education
• Tutoring
• Year-round Schooling
• Youth Literacy