Parent Outfitters

Parent/Teacher conferences are usually directed by the teacher. However, you as a parent should come to the conference with certain questions you want answered. I would venture to say that always the teacher will tell the parent how well (or not so well) a child is doing in the classroom.  You need to push to find out specifics!  The following are a set of guiding questions that should aid you in getting great information from the conference:

• What seems to be the main area that my child needs help in?
• How are his homework grades compared to tests and projects?
• Does my child seem focused in the classroom?
• Do you have other concerns about my child’s learning?
• What can I do at home to help my child?

Actually, the above questions can be used anytime you visit with a teacher about your child.

Of the following types of schools, I have seen great and poor in each category. Each has the potential of delivering a great education. Unfortunately the opposite is true as well. I have highlighted main types of schools and some pros and cons of each. You are welcome to add more and offer your comments and questions!

Traditional Public School
The traditional public schools offer a core curriculum of math, English, science, and social studies with various electives or “specials.” The curriculum of traditional public schools is based on state mandated standards along with district devised standards. Public schools are mainly funded through state and local funds with some federal funding. Students are typically randomly placed in classes with various levels of students in the same room.

Public schools can provide an excellent education, just like all schools can. The question is whether the public school systems in your area are good schools.

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1. Teachers should greet students individually when they are in their class. They should get to know their students on more than your classroom level. Teachers care greatly about their subject, whether it be math, English, or something in between; however, their students don’t necessarily think their subject is their number one priority! Kids like their teachers to know how they did in their basketball game the night before or how the concert they recently attended was. Making connections with students can make a huge difference to them and the relationship teachers have with them in the classroom. Kids respond better to teachers who they feel know and care about them. The majority of high school dropouts do so because they have no connection or relationship with anyone in the school.

2. Teachers should create procedures for their classroom and teach them to their students early. They should teach the procedures that will be regular procedures they will follow during your semester or year. Procedures create order, decrease transition times, and offer students comfort in knowing how to do or prepare for something. Procedures can include many, many things, but foremost should be procedures teachers want students to do during the following:

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Today we have more options to educate our children than ever! With so many choices, however, choosing the best school for your child can be very difficult.  There are many questions to consider when deciding how to best educate your child such as:

1. What does the school offer for my child’s specific needs and desires?You need to prepare in advance for this question, determining what specific needs/desires that your child has.

2. How do I want my child to be educated?

3. What are the school’s vision and mission?

4. What are the principal’s goals for the next year?

5. What is the school best known for?

6. What will my child really learn?

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