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
family-safe home cleaners Morton Grove ..My neighbours' kid impressed me the other day.I was busy... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More
I don't know how people raise daughters because I have... Read More
The Internet is one of the greatest inventions of all... Read More
Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Former students would probably attest to the fact that few... Read More
As a parent is seems that the majority of your... Read More
This is the third and final article in a series... Read More
You are at the grocery store with your daughter and... Read More
For parents, keeping our kids safe is a constant top... Read More
When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More
Parents are losing their self-control to anger. A friend called... Read More
Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More
Are you a frustrated parent who sometimes finds it is... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
If you're a single parent or a married couple on... Read More
Many years ago, my children were raised on the various... Read More
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the phrase that is... Read More
In my opinion, these things matter...1. Enjoying childlike delights before... Read More
How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More
When you hear the phrase, 'guerrilla parenting techniques', what images... Read More
As a parent your biggest responsibility is to prepare your... Read More
Past experience with federal education programs predicts that the No... Read More
home cleaning services Wilmette ..Do you remember how you first learned the alphabet? I... Read More
Once the newness has worn off a little, you will... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Have you ever experienced one of those days when you... Read More
If you're looking for toys that are both fun to... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with... Read More
Much has been said about the "gifted child" but in... Read More
It can be hard being a parent with a teen... Read More
Once upon a time, I thought I had it all.... Read More
Many young people don't know how to study efficiently and... Read More
What exactly makes safety glasses different from regular glasses? There... Read More
I had my first two children on either side of... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
Dear Vijay,I worry about not being a good parent. My... Read More
In the beginning, having children was just a byproduct of... Read More
Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More
Our children are growing up bilingual in the French part... Read More
Family decision-making is an intriguing phenomenon. Many factors become part... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More
Parents want their children to succeed in school. However, sometimes... Read More
The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a... Read More
Here is an easy, inexpensive and fun kid experiment for... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
Parenting |