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
custom home cleaning Wilmette ..So your little Susie wants to join a competitive gymnastic... Read More
There are times when my ideas of raising a child... Read More
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
What is hard for parentsLetting them learn from their mistakes.Trying... Read More
There is nothing quite like hiking with small children. The... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
It is extraordinary times that we find ourselves in. Change... Read More
Child Party Planning Guideline #1)Pick the ThemeYour child is going... Read More
Something eerily familiar happened in KwaZulu-Natal's Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park in Africa... Read More
In a consumer-driven society that broadcasts values you don't approve... Read More
Do you want to create a deeper, more loving relationship... Read More
Demanding children ? children who have entitlement issues ? seem... Read More
Here are some things that you can do to help... Read More
As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More
Despite the potentially dangerous side-effects of Ritalin, public school authorities... Read More
Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant... Read More
Travel is a common theme in my life -- probably... Read More
By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More
There is no doubt that mothers play an all-important leading... Read More
Single parents are not often thought of as good parents.I... Read More
Do you have a wild child? Then this article may... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
Teenagers are a work-in-progress, and parenting teenagers can be tricky... Read More
Q. "What do you want to be when you grow... Read More
If your child is to derive the benefits of physical... Read More
same day cleaning service Morton Grove ..Is there a fathering instinct?Celebrated child development expert Erik Erikson... Read More
In "The Ring Bear," a picture book by Tigard resident... Read More
Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
During one "generation gap" quarrel with his parents young Michael... Read More
Q: My husband and I are at a loss as... Read More
It was no contest. Given a choice between a ball... Read More
? Let the child choose his or her own lunch... Read More
Maintaining a safe home environment for your childrenAs adults and... Read More
For many years underparenting was perhaps the biggest problem facing... Read More
It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More
What do you mean average? Not good? Just doing good... Read More
Last night Tom's daughter, Sue, came out of her room... Read More
"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses... Read More
"There is nothing new under the sun," states Ecclesiastes 1:9.... Read More
Teachers know that children thrive in an environment with routines,... Read More
As a parent your biggest responsibility is to prepare your... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
I am a single mother of a 17 year old... Read More
When a child wets the bed they worry. Children tend... Read More
The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More
The Greatest Gifts in Life, which are always created for... Read More
It's that time of year when mom and dad look... Read More
Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More
Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More
Parenting |