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
green cleaning service Park Ridge ..Successful parents have learned to be both firm and kind... Read More
Nanny 911 Interview with Montel WilliamsI saw an interview with... Read More
The key to lifelong learning is reading and writing. When... Read More
Here in Kansas, where we live, the leaves are turning... Read More
When you think about it, probably the one thing that... Read More
Most parents at some stage are driven to distraction by... Read More
Imagine yourself lying flat on your back, totally strapped down... Read More
Who lives in your house? Are they driving you "crazy?"... Read More
There are many reasons for treating your twins as individuals... Read More
The choices are mind numbing. Walk into any toy store... Read More
A growing body of scientific evidence shows that the way... Read More
Having a high level of emotional intelligence in your children... Read More
Successful families don't just happen. They take time, talent and... Read More
College is one of the largest expenses through the course... Read More
Even as a busy parent, I'm sure you've seen a... Read More
AD/HD (attention deficit disorder) is one of the most common... Read More
We all know that using cloth nappies is best for... Read More
"To educate a person in mind and not in morals... Read More
Imagine having no television for an entire season. Such was... Read More
Often I will hear parents say, "I just ignore Jr.... Read More
It's back to school time again. Does the thought of... Read More
Are your children truthful, kind, and helpful? If so, read... Read More
It's among the top criticism wives have of their husbands:... Read More
Reading to your child at a young age is one... Read More
"I could have helped you if I would have known,... Read More
emergency cleaning services Morton Grove ..21 Reasons I Love Being A DadWhat you will read... Read More
There is a front line and a back end to... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
The popularity of EEG Biofeedback Training continues to grow both... Read More
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
The least flexible character in all of the stories of... Read More
As a parent, are you at your wits end? Does... Read More
Once your little boy/girl goes off to school, you may... Read More
I will never forget the day that my daughter's sixth... Read More
Individualism is a common thing in today's modern society. Many... Read More
Dear friends here we will charge up our mind with... Read More
"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses... Read More
Uh oh.Your kids arrive home with their school reports and... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
For the first year or two of life outside the... Read More
Mother's Day is important for children.This Mother's Day take note... Read More
Reading is the most efficient and economical way to help... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
When your child shows signs of potty training readiness, it's... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
"Will my doubts and fears affect my child?" This father... Read More
Not all parents subscribe to the notion of "tough love,"... Read More
In this form of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder... Read More
Former students would probably attest to the fact that few... Read More
Parenting |