Today the little red school house is not what it use to be, and along with changes in how our schools are funded, how they are governed, how teachers teach and how children learn, it's no surprise that many large urban school districts and smaller rural ones are undergoing major modifications. Parents are bombarded with advice from every media venue telling them to look at private education, consider a religious environment, and reminding them that "choice" or charter schools are the way to go. The only real way to know what educational institution is best for your child is to become a School Scene Investigator (SSI), because today education is serious business.
No amount of research can replace the most reliable evaluation known to parent kind. Parents are going to have to take time and participate in a good old fashion school visit, and look at the school visit the same way you would the purchase a car. Do investigative work to see who will give you the most for your investment, and remember your most precious possession will benefit from your in-depth analysis.
A school visit is an invaluable way to learn about whether a particular school is the right place for your child. Below is a step-by-step guide to planning a very effective school visit.
1.Do your homework before visiting the school. Obtain all the vital statistics:
- Name of School
- Name of Principal and other Administrators, Assistant Principal, School Secretary, School Counselor/Social Worker
- Does the school have a website? Visit it and if you can, locate the last time it was updated
- Perform a drive-by; visit the school several times without going into the building. Visit during the morning and observe how the children line up and enter the building. Is there adult supervision outside or volunteers keeping things orderly? Visit at lunch time, at recess and at the end of the school day. Make a note of anything that raises an eyebrow.
- Drive through the neighborhood. Even if you live in a beautiful suburban area, drive the neighborhood. You want to know where there are tall fences, dogs, wooded areas etc., particularly if your child will be walking to and from school.
2. Schedule your school visit. Call the school and ask to speak with the secretary, this will give you a feeling of how welcoming and accommodating school staff is toward a potential customer. Remember with your child comes the several thousand dollars that pays for his or her schooling.
3. Ask lots of questions and pay attention to everything. This is one time when it is alright to bring a note pad with questions and don't be shy or intimidated. Is the Principal so busy he or she does not have time to answer questions and give you a tour? Does the Principal delegate the responsibility to someone else? Are you allowed to visit classrooms? Will the Principal allow you to purchase a lunch from the cafeteria? What was the most recent Health Department Food Inspection Score for the Cafeteria? Does the Principal introduce you to any teachers or other administrators at the school? Does the Principal invite you to come and visit again? What materials are provided at the end of your tour?
4. Does the school have a particular educational philosophy? Ask the Principal about the following items:
- Student Code of Conduct ? What currently governs student behavior?
- How often to students receive report cards and/or progress reports?
- What kind of resources are available to students i.e. computers, library, sports activities, academic games or competitions.
- Ask to see a copy of the School Improvement Plan (a document that shows how the school is working to meet state requirements)
The Principal should be able to tell you if the school is receiving additional funding from special grants or if it is receiving Title 1 funding for improving the academic achievement of the disadvantaged. If your school is a Title 1 school you will want to know the following:
- Amount of funds allocated for Title 1 service Number of Teachers and other staff funded by Title 1 funds
- View the school Parent Involvement Policy required for all schools receiving Title 1 Funding and asks if parents took part in drafting the document (by law they are required to do so)
- Ask the Principal about how the minimum 1% of Parent Involvement Funds is being spent and what programs are available promoting parent education. Request a copy of the school compact
- Ask the Principal about parent education workshops and Title 1 conferences parent may attend using Title 1 funding and ask who is President or Chair of the Title 1 Parent Organization at the school
- If you would like to learn more about Title 1 No Child Left requirements visit: www.ncela.gwu.edu
5. Parents who have children with academic, social or emotional difficulties should ask the Principal about the types of services provided to address those issues. Does the school have a Psychologist/Social Work team on staff or available on a rotating basis? Who at the school is responsible for giving a child medication?
It is the responsibility of the parent to ask the tough questions now so you won't have to deal with problematic issues later. Every parent wants their child's educational experience to be a positive one and it is your job as the parent to make sure that occurs. We all lead busy stressful lives but when it comes to the education of our children we must make an effort to leave no stone unturned in seeking the best educational opportunity possible for their academic achievement.
D. Davis is a writer with over 20 years of experience, and has produced a series of e-Books that support parents in creating a good life for their family. Dee may be reached at detra_davis@supportingourchildren.com, or by mail at J. Davis & Associates Publishing, P. O. Box 44782, Detroit, MI 48244-0782, Attention: D. Davis. To learn more visit: detra_davis@supportingourchildren.com
Wood Dale Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareIt can be hard being a parent with a teen... Read More
One of my first memories of childhood is that of... Read More
When a child is born, a new number is added... Read More
This time, I would like to talk about a subject... Read More
One of the basic issues we need to understand is... Read More
It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
Did you know that the number of twin births have... Read More
Despite the potentially dangerous side-effects of Ritalin, public school authorities... Read More
Children are moral and make moral determinations... at least until... Read More
Recently, a parent came to me, conflicted over whether to... Read More
I was changing Ford's diaper the other day when he... Read More
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't... Read More
This is one of the most common questions asked of... Read More
Attention all parents of teen-agers. Here is an important, groundbreaking... Read More
When you think about it, probably the one thing that... Read More
Do you live with an ADD / ADHD child? If... Read More
Having a babysitter take care of your kids is sometimes... Read More
I have a bit of a different response than most... Read More
Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More
Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 31,... Read More
Many of us have grown up drinking caffeinated diet sodas... Read More
Adderall is a stimulant medication used in the treatment of... Read More
The advances in science over the past century have been... Read More
1. New Word of the DayIntroduce your preschooler to a... Read More
Antigo wedding limo ..The back-to-school shopping is done. Brand new pencils, colored markers,... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
It's no joy to be sick. It's even less joy... Read More
Our children are growing up bilingual in the French part... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2005) - With Memorial Day weekend,... Read More
In the beginning, having children was just a byproduct of... Read More
Younger generations unfortunately will not understand how larger than life... Read More
Many parental units are not "techies" and openly admit they... Read More
Q. My daughter has gotten very good at manipulating us,... Read More
As parents, we love our children and want to do... Read More
Recently, a parent came to me, conflicted over whether to... Read More
Looking for an unusual and memorable gift? Why not preserve... Read More
How are parents to know they are doing the right... Read More
I am a single mother of a 17 year old... Read More
The learning and development of Australian kids is under threat... Read More
Ok. So you're a dad to be. If you're like... Read More
According to the American Sleep Association 70% of all babies... Read More
Julia Roberts recently gave birth to twins: Hazel and Phinnaeus.... Read More
In his recent newsletter "Happy Kids", parenting expert Michael Grose... Read More
Jason Meridith's two-year old son whines when he wants more... Read More
One of the questions I ask in parenting presentations is... Read More
Have you heard the song; "I Hope You Dance"? It... Read More
1. Encourage your babysitter by keeping their favorite foods/snacks on... Read More
Parenting |