How to Evaluate a School for Your Child

How to Evaluate a School for Your Child The following piece was written by Liz Perelstein. Liz has been featured in ourAdmissions Expert seriesand is the Founder of School Choice International. As we anticipate the spring, you may be evaluating your child's progress during the past year and deciding what kind of school would serve your child best in the coming years. The options can be overwhelming: Public Schools Local public schools Specialized public schools Private Schools Independent schools Parochial schools Boarding schools Distance learning schools Specialized private schools (which may include: international schools, special education schools, and schools for profoundly gifted children) As you peruse this list, I imagine you are surprised by the number of alternatives you have when considering your child's education. Hopefully, this will alleviate some of the tension parents often feel as you begin this journey. In order to direct your search, begin with a thoughtful evaluation of your child. Has s/he had a good year or one in which s/he struggled, either academically, socially or emotionally? Did his or her school experience bring out the best in her, and contribute to his spirit to explore and consume knowledge? Has he developed social skills that will allow him to make friends and navigate social groupings in a new school? Would she benefit from an opportunity to reinvent herself in a new school? Pay attention to factors that make your child's schooling experience what it is. Are classes large or small? Is the classroom structured or do the children learn by doing? Is the school coeducational or single sexed? Is it close to home or does it require transit? Does it emphasize athletics or the arts? Based on her personality, interests, and emerging skills, which characteristics are important for your child's education? I would imagine, by now, this list has automatically been narrowed down; some options simply don't fit. If your child exhibits separation anxiety, for example, boarding school simply isn't an option. But for an independent child whose homework is a nightly contest, boarding school can change the entire home dynamic. Your school list probably should include options in various categories public and private, day and boarding for you and your child to compare and contrast. Don't automatically assume cost is prohibitive. Private schools offer need based, and sometimes merit based, financial aid. The most important way to assess a school is to visit. Make appointments for school tours and go to open houses. Talk to other parents and students you meet in the cafeteria, but keep in mind that every child is different, and what works for their child may not be the best choice for yours. In public schools, parent advocates are incredibly helpful sources of information. If you don't know any parents whose children attend a particular school, request a list of parents you may call. Ask questions beyond test scores and admissions difficulties. Questions should be based on your childs profile. Ask questions that will help you decide whether your child will thrive or struggle based on his or her unique characteristics. Finally, encourage your child to reach for schools that may be selective both in the public and private sectors. You won't know until you try. If your child isn't accepted, this can be a great learning moment be sure to be a positive role model and handle wait lists or rejection with compassion and a problem solving attitude. On the other hand, never put all your eggs in one basket. If you limit your search to a few schools, be sure that you and your child would be content to remain at his or her current school or the local public school. VisitSchool Choice Internationalfor more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Funding To Support Gifted Students

Funding To Support Gifted Students For years politicians and administrators have tried to create educational equality, providing tutors and additional help for struggling students and raising awareness about under-performing schools. But, what about the gifted students? They are the most ignored group of students in America. They are more talented and naturally-intelligent than normal students, and therefore do not need any additional help, at least thats what most believe. Some believe that the American education system should give gifted students more resources, rather than ignoring them. They believe that they should receive additional help and funding to help the future American economy gain a competitive edge, according to an article in District Administration. Industries are becoming increasingly more competitive, and America is beginning to lag behind foreign competitors. American workers are not as skilled compared to foreign workers as they once were, partly because of the lagging education system. Some believe that the future of Americas economy rests in its ability to turn gifted students into leading industry innovators. Therefore, these gifted students need stronger challenges and more encouragement throughout their education, rather than constant ignoring. China and India focus their efforts on gifted students, giving them the best possible education, an education far better than what the average student receives, helping them achieve a competitive, economic advantage. And the question remains, should America do the same? Currently, it is not. The only federal funding for gifted students is the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Education Act, which has provided $7.5 million for about 3 million gifted American students. Grassroots organizations have taken interest in this cause, and the Obama administration is beginning to listen. The Equity in Excellence Act of 2010 is currently pending in the House and the Senate. If passed, this legislation would seek to increase teacher effectiveness, accountability and funding for gifted and talented students. Other organizations are simply trying to create more awareness for the gifted students cause, the forgotten group in education. Most groups argument remains the same: focus efforts on these students to help boost Americas economy, making it a more competitive world, industry leader.