Public education in the United States has never been equal for all students. It appears that those school districts located in wealthy communities have a bit more resources than those in poorer communities. Today more than ever, parents need to step up to the plate and learn how the educational system works. It is imperative that parents no longer leave the decisions made around the education of children solely in the hands of bureaucrats who likely have no children in the school district and/or may not even live in the community.
Below are ten things parents must do before enrolling their child in any school public or private.
1. Get a copy of your state's academic standards. Academic standards are open and public statements detailing what all children should know and be able to do in each state. A typical writing standard, for example, states that all students should be able to pre-write, draft, edit and revise. Students progress through these stages to write, clear, coherent and focused paragraphs and essays. State standards should be available on your state's website and may be divided by grade level or subject.
2. Schedule a time when your child's teacher can review these standards with you.
3. Check your child's homework and class work to see if it aligns with the state academic standards.
4. Ask the principal to hold a parent meeting to discuss the state academic standards and explain how standardized test evaluate what children are learning or not learning in alignment with state standards.
5. Beginning in 2005-06, all schools will measure student achievement yearly in reading and math in grades 3-8, and at least once during the high school years. Ask the teacher and principal if these tests will align with state standards.
6. Discuss with your principal how you as a parent can assist your child in meeting or exceeding the state academic standards. Request that your principal use Title I Parent Involvement funds to offer training for parents interested in helping their children improve academically.
7. Parents will also want to know if teachers receive test results in a timely fashion so that they can be used to improve instruction.
8. What is your school district doing about test anxiety? One of the best ways to reduce test anxiety is to make sure students are well prepared with the concepts, skills and knowledge on which they will be tested.
9. Parent must contact their principal to find out how student achievement levels compare to other districts, and states, by subject and student group.
10. Parent must always contact their state legislator if they are not satisfied with school funding. You put them in office to work for you. It's about time you now hold them accountable.
The reality is that parents are their child's first teacher and if parents are stumbling through the educational maze they will not do a good job of making sure they are providing the best education possible for their child. Parents must know what questions to ask and what answers should be received. No longer can we rest on our laurels, work fifty or sixty hours a week and expect others to assure our student's achievement. Knowledge is power, and that has never been more true than today.
Detra D. Davis is a writer and educational consultant with over 20 years of experience. Author of several e-books, email Detra at: detra_davis@supportingourchildren.com, or by mail: J. Davis & Associates, P. O. Box 4935, Cary, NC 27513-4935. To learn more visit: detra_davis@supportingourchildren.com
cleaning service near Bannockburn ..Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
As the new school year begins, parents play a pivotal... Read More
What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More
No matter how old your children are, you have an... Read More
Night Visits From Your ChildIn the middle of the night... Read More
There's a phrase that's become popular over the past few... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
Is it possible to be using our children addictively?Anything that... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
My name is Duncan and I'm 2 years old. I... Read More
I remember when my daughter was born, later my son.... Read More
As the flurry of Back to School activities subside, parents... Read More
Drivers 16 years of age have little driving experience, putting... Read More
Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
Would you like your child to be the best that... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
Last week in my newsletter, I mentioned that... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
So you're going to become a father. Now is not... Read More
Whether we realize it or not we teach our children... Read More
Q. What's the right age to start giving a Bible... Read More
pet-friendly home cleaners Mundelein ..Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
When my son was 18 (and had finished school), he... Read More
Fizzy sherbet in a paper bag with a strawberry lollipop... Read More
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Results of the Spanking Poll on Rexanne.com: Voters - 233Percentage... Read More
Often, the struggle at dinnertime with your picky eater is... Read More
What exactly makes safety glasses different from regular glasses? There... Read More
Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working... Read More
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children... Read More
When was the last time you and your kids rolled... Read More
Q. My daughter is a junior in high school and... Read More
Using 14 "at" Flashcards To Teach Reading:This exercise helps your... Read More
"Now don't you go getting any ideas, Harold.""Don't you get... Read More
Q. What's the right age to start giving a Bible... Read More
Many families do not want to believe their child is... Read More
Being a single mother is no easy task. I know.... Read More
The internet is a dangerous place for your children. Don't... Read More
As Mother's Day approaches I would like to give a... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
Is there a way to build a robot to help... Read More
My oldest boy is fifteen and was a real jerk... Read More
10 Fun Things You Can Do With Your Children this... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
"My son won't go to bed at night without a... Read More
It's that time again! Parent-teacher conferences are coming. Are you... Read More
Keith is now in the fourth grade and he dislikes... Read More
Parenting |