A Guide to Choosing the Right School Program For Your Child

We are so fortunate to live in a country where we have so many educational programs to choose from for our children. However fortunate we are there's no denying that so many programs can cause our heads to spin. As a parent of three grown boys, a home-school mom, charter school founder and now the CEO of a Colorado tutoring center, I'd like to offer some guidelines that may help make this process a little easier for you.

Before you get started choosing a school, apply these four components to your decision making process:

1. School Philosophy - Is it traditional, progressive or other?
2. School Achievement Record - Information can be found at your State Department of Education website.
3. Safety - Information on a school's safety record can be found at your State Department of Education website and through your local police department.
4. Family Cohesiveness - Will the program work for all family members and the family budget?

By applying these four components to your selection process you will be able to come to a decision that is not only best for your child but will ensure educational stability which is important for student achievement. I know from personal experience, kids do not like to move from school to school as it puts too much strain on their social experience.

You will find that all schools, even though they are supposed to be created equal, are not. Should you make a change, you may find the new school is teaching a new type of math that differs from your old school. This could put your child behind right when they arrive hindering your child's progress and hurting their overall educational experience. Before you do anything, visit the school. Some schools require an appointment so you might want to call ahead and check. I also recommend visiting the classrooms. It's a red flag if a school won't let you observe a classroom. When a school doesn't require an appointment and will let you observe a classroom that's a real plus in my book.

You may not be aware of all the school choices you have available to you. I know from speaking with many or our tutoring families they are surprised to learn about the many options they have when choosing a school for their child. So let's go over the main ones and keep in mind the area where you live may have other choices so visit your state's Department of Education website to learn all about the different programs in your area. Listed below is a breakdown of school options using pros and cons. You can add your own pros and cons so it fits your personal needs.

Public Schools - I am listing items that are generally offered at public schools. There will be some differences depending on your area. Of course, you may see a con that to you is a pro so it's just a matter of opinion. If it fits with your philosophy and your family's needs then that's all that matters.

Pros:

1. Usually close to home.
2. Most kids in the neighborhood will be going, so your child will know the students.
3. May have buses to take your child to school.
4. Before and after school care offered.
5. School cafeteria (free school lunch in some areas).
6. Generally speaking, public schools have better funding then charters and private schools.
7. Extra-curricular activities available (band, sports, art, etc.).
8. PTO support.
9. Special education programs.
10. Open enrollment programs in some districts which allows you to choose a school that fits your own educational philosophy.
11. Some areas have a Track Calendar which allows for 3 week breaks during the year.
12. Usually have up-to-date curriculum and technology (Generally speaking when compared to Charter Schools).

Cons:

1. One-size- fits-all teaching methods.
2. Large class sizes.
3. Over crowding.
4. Long bus rides to school.
5. Includes areas of study you may oppose.
6. Student discipline issues due to over crowding.
7. Teacher Tenure - hard to remove ineffective teachers.
8. Some areas have a Track Calendar but you can't always have all siblings on the same track.
9. Curriculum not as rigorous as you may like.
10. Too much testing.

Charter Schools - (Pubic schools that operate autonomously)

Pros:

1. Smaller class sizes.
2. School uniforms.
3. Operates autonomously from the school district.
4. Many volunteer opportunities.
5. Parent Council.
6. A defined philosophy - You will know if the school is more traditional or progressive. Some charters are designed to be delivered outdoors only. Charters tend to inform their parents of their expectations of you and your child so you will know if it's a good match.
7. Most charters have smaller school populations.
8. Statistics are showing that charter schools out perform public schools after they have been established for 5 years or more.
9. These schools usually have a stricter code of conduct.
10. Grading scale is usually more difficult.

Cons:

1. Limited enrollment and siblings may not get in.
2. Sometimes there is a waiting list and it could take years for your child to be accepted.
3. No bus service.
4. Limited supplies and curriculum - especially if a new charter.
5. Many new charters won't have cafeteria services for the first few years.
6. Parent councils can operate poorly.
7. Teacher continuity can take a few years.
8. May not have before and after care.
9. Your child may not see their neighborhood friends.
10. These schools usually have stricter codes of conduct.
11. Grading scale is usually more difficult.
12. Won't always be able to switch to another teacher if you don't like the one your child has as most charters only have 2 classes per grade.
13. Although it is mandatory, many charters will have limited Special Ed services.
14. New charters often suffer growing pains. You'll be expected to volunteer a lot and donate as much money and supplies as you can.

Home Schools - Be sure to check with your Department of Education before you start a home school program. You usually are required to complete a form of notification and there are state guidelines and testing that must be followed as well.

Pros:

1. Freedom to choose your own curriculum and teaching methods.
2. Set your own schedule and calendar. You can hold classes 3 days a week or 6 days, whichever you prefer. Along with choosing your own curriculum this has got to be the best part of homeschooling. (180-185 days of school are usually required but you can choose to hold class in the mornings, stop at 12:00, and then come back at 3:00 and work another few hours.
3. Classes can be anywhere - at home, church, and on field trips with friends.
4. In many states your child can participate in specials (art, computer, music classes) at your local public school at no charge.
5. The joy of having more time with your kids.
6. Can establish outside playgroups and activities with other home-school moms.
7. You can join Home School Associations in your area for resources and assistance.
8. Depending on your school district, there are now online programs available free of charge that provides you with a computer, printer, curriculum and teacher contact. Your child is part of a school district program but they learn from home.

Cons:

1. Time commitment is sometimes overwhelming.
2. The cost can be underestimated. Some home school parents start from scratch and others purchase lesson plans and curriculum kits. There are so many resources now to choose from but there will be out of pocket expense.
3. Turning your home into a classroom - you may have limited space.
4. Time management.
5. Student management - your child may not always want to work with you.
6. Negative feedback from other parents. Let's face it, if you are thin skinned this may not be for you. Many parents tend to think you are doing your child a disservice by not allowing your child to go to school and have the social benefits of public school. Others will say you are trying to shelter them from the real world.

Private Schools: There are so many private schools with different programs that for me to try and list the pros and cons would not be helpful. This is one area that you really need to do your homework on to make sure the value given is worth the cost.

Hopefully you have gathered some useful information and ideas that will make your selection process easier. If you're like me there is nothing more important than a powerful education. Good, just isn't good enough!

Diane Kulback is CEO of Step to Success Community Learning Center in Parker, CO. You can visit their website at http://www.steptosuccesstutoring.com or call 1-877-744-4771.

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Not All International Schools Are Created Equal - A Quick and Dirty Guide For Overseas Teachers

Considering the recent unprecedented growth in the number of international schools in the world on top of the abundance already operating worldwide, it is no wonder you might be reeling from the thought of choosing the 'right' school for you.

Of course, that is assuming you are already frothing at the mouth to kick-start your international teaching career and that you are looking for clarification of what international teaching is all about and how to break into this select group of educational professionals. If you are not, well why not? Using my teaching credentials to secure a job teaching abroad was the best career decision I have ever made.

But I digress... this is all about helping you get a handle on the different kinds of international schools there are who are looking for international teachers to staff them.

Privately Owned International Schools

Private international schools are essentially businesses with directors who are aiming to make a profit. There is a considerable amount of money to be made in providing private education in areas where the supply is less than demanded.

Many wealthy parents are demanding English language education for their children, and that has lead to the propagation of international schools. This is a particular feature of the Middle East and Asia, where new schools are starting up each year. The year I was looking for my current position there were a total of 5 new schools starting up in Dubai.

The good, the bad and the ugly of private international schools...

The Good - they are plentiful. There are a large number of private international schools to choose from.

The Bad - While it is possible to balance good educational practice with the desire to make substantial profits, it is unlikely that in a knock down fight between the two that the goal of educating the students well will win.

The Ugly - When a school's continued survival, and consequently profit making potential, is dependent upon tuition money from students, how likely do you think it is that the school will expel students that are negatively affecting the learning of others?

English Speaking 'International' Schools

Some schools do not do a very good job of being an international school, rather they should be called English Speaking Schools. In fact, many schools springing up in the Middle East do call themselves just that because most of the students are local.

The student body of an international school should hail from outside the school's host country. If the majority of the student body is local to the host country, then surely that negates it being an 'international' school?

Many international schools put a limit on the proportion of students that can come from the host country. These international schools often have a waiting list for local students.

The good, the bad and the ugly of English Speaking 'International' Schools...

The Good - once again, there are a lot of them around, all looking for international teachers.

The Bad - instead of enjoying a multi-cultural classroom with students that are enthusiastic and all have different experiences to bring to class discussions. You will be teaching wealthy children who possibly have no concept of what it is like to have to do things like chores and who may not have any concept of the real world.

The Ugly - you will be teaching a class full of students who will share a common language that you don't understand, mono-lingual classes being taught subject specific content in a language that isn't their own can be a real struggle. You are not going into international teaching to work harder than you do at home!

Military Schools

A US Department of Defense (DoD) school is a school that is attached to a military base abroad. The DoD is responsible for providing education for all school aged dependents of all military and civilian employees who are required to live abroad in order to do their jobs.

There are over 100 US Department of Defense schools in Europe, and currently there are 210 schools located around the world in 12 countries. You might encounter the children of military personnel in American schools abroad when there is no DOD school available.

The British Equivalent is Service Children's Education (SCE) Schools who operate 27 schools world wide with the majority of them situated in Cyprus and Germany. SCE schools are designed to give the students the same kind of education they would receive if living in the UK and attending school there.

The good, the bad and the ugly of Military Schools...

The Good -It is easy to evaluate the package you will receive because you will be employed on a national contract. If you are working for the SCE you will be employed on a British teaching contract, with a few extras. You will also be paid in Sterling. The same goes for a DoD school.

The Bad - TAX! You will have to pay national taxes. One of the benefits that comes with teaching at an international school is that you can pay less tax or work in a tax free environment. When you work for a overseas military school you will be employed 'in' the country whose military the school serves.

The Ugly - You'll be teaching American or British students the relevant curriculum. You will miss out on experiencing a true multi-cultural classroom and all the benefits of teaching international children.

Private Board-Run International Schools

Let's face it, most international schools are going to be private. What reason would any country's government have to run a special school for foreign children? I can think of a few and none of them are particularly good!

And so, you're going to be stuck with a private school. But this doesn't have to be a bad thing.

Private board-run international schools are generally the best of the lot. These schools are run on a not-for-profit basis where any and all profits are usually ploughed back into the school in order to fund future improvements.

The board is often made up of a mixture of local business people and officials (to ease the school's relationship with officials), parents and teachers. The primary goal of these schools is more likely to be to provide an excellent education for students because you've got educators and parents on the decision making body.

The good, the bad and the ugly of Private Board-Run International Schools...

The Good - Good quality education is a priority of the people with the power to make the decisions. You'll be treated like a professional here.

The Bad - When board members include people who are not trained educators, sometimes they have some trouble prioritising issues the way education administrators would for the good of the whole school.

The Ugly - You'll sometimes get a power hungry megalomaniac on the board, and once they're there they can be difficult to oust.

Still, if possible, this is the kind of school you really want to be working for!

Kick-start your international teaching career with The Complete Guide to Securing a Job at an International School! Avoid making disastrous mistakes by getting the insider secrets from the experts!

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Schools and Alumni Research Guide

Finding school performance data and information on past alumni can be very difficult. But it is getting much easier through new services on the internet. Many people who are preparing to apply to a school want to know school ranking data, alumni satisfaction rates, and much more. Some of the most important things to look for that some people skip over is the employment rates of recent graduates, average salaries of graduates, and the percentage of graduates who went on to do further schooling (and where they got accepted). Some find this process to be very overwhelming because there are services that now handle each individual aspect of school information, and other larger companies try to handle it all. Many students just apply to the best possible schools (in academic terms) without considering student life and other issues. In order to make sure that you enjoy your school experience, it is important to make other considerations.

If you are researching schools, here are some things you should check:

School size: The size of a school can have a profound impact on those who attend. Schools come in all sizes from less than 100 students to more than 30,000. Both have advantages and disadvantages. An advantage of smaller schools is students tend to receive more attention and help from teachers. A disadvantage of smaller schools (especially colleges) is that they tend to be less broadly known or acknowledged which means less recruiters and sometimes less value to a degree. At larger schools, students tend to just be a number and are usually unable to seek one-on-one help from professors. But larger schools can attract more recruiters and more degree value for job seekers.

Distance from Home: The distance from home is very important for people of all ages who are looking for a school to attend. Parents who are considering schools for their children should take this very seriously. Boarding schools can have a profound impact on kids and young adults and shouldn't be taken lightly. Most teens thinking about college usually want to move a long distance away to get out on their own. This can cause homesickness, financial strain, less home visits, and more issues that should be considered.

School programs: For school seekers who are looking to specialize in a specific field (which should be almost everyone), applicants should look at test score performance, alumni job history, and what recruiters come to the campus looking for employees. They should also look for what majors are offered and what the requirements are for receiving a degree. For young kids, parents usually consider music and art programs in elementary and middle schools.

Cost and Scholarships: The price of good schooling has become extreme these days and in many cases outrageous. But in general, the higher the cost of tuition, the more value of the degree. That doesn't necessarily mean that the education is not as good at less expensive schools, but the degree might not look as good on resumes. Many schools offer scholarships that you may be eligible to receive which is worth looking into as well.

Location and Activities: Where a school is located is also a major factor. Some schools are situated in major cities and others are out in the middle of nowhere. The colleges in major urban areas tend to have more entertainment and dining choices in proximity of the campus, but that also means that no one is usually on campus. The schools in obscure areas have less to do around them but that means more student life and more participation in the activities offered by the school itself.

Student Demographics: The diversity of a school's student body is very important to the whole educational experience. Schools with more diversity can offer a rich experience because the students not only learn a lot from teachers, but they also can learn a large amount from each other. It is best to look for schools that are well balanced between genders and ethnic backgrounds.

Sports and Athletic Programs: If you are looking to get into sports it is important to investigate a potential school's athletic programs. You should look at how many teams they have, what division they are a part of, and what percentage of students who try out get accepted. For parents who are trying to get their kids involved in sports, they should also look into the various sports activities that elementary schools offer.

Do not just apply to one school, explore all your options and make sure you have back-up plans in case certain schools do not work out. Before you settle on any school, it is important to actually visit the campus and meet some of the faculty. It might even be a good idea to sit through an assembly or activity just to get a feel for what the student life will be like.

Mark Thompson is a retired school administrator with years of experience in the education industry. He regularly contributes to Schools and Reunions which is a national school information site that offers data on over a hundred thousand schools. If you are parent researching schools or a graduate looking to re-connect with old friends, please do not hesitate to visit schoolsandreunions.com.

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