It’s pretty fair to say that every parent wants the best for their child. In the U.S. there are great indications that a good education is on the top of the list. In recent years this has been more and more apparent when we see parents buying their way, or manipulating systems to get their child into the best school. We are even seeing a few of these schools as being complicit with these tactics. Many cases are just now hitting the courts and verdicts are beginning to come down. Yes, most of this is occurring on the college level but here in New York we see a similar trend with pre-k, elementary, middle school, and high school learning.
It can all begin before the child is even born. Parents lining up to get their slot on the waiting lists for a coveted spot in the school deemed best for their child. Lines begin forming the night before with bellies about to burst forth the newest addition to their personal tribe. We see moms going to jail for doctoring addresses in order for their child is able to attend the public school of their choice. Address fraud has become more abundant, boundary hopping more frequent. Families moving into over crowded areas for their student to join the acclaimed public school. Hours spent with tutors so the student can test better in order to gain acceptance to one of the elite public specialized schools. All this effort and expense, even at times detrimental with a high price tag or jail time, for a better education.
Many things come into play when determining what school or district is best suited for your student. School ratings, neighborhood, student population, teacher-student ratio, small district or large, extra-curricular activities, school curriculum, focus, and reputation. What it boils down to is that good enough doesn’t even reach the low bar, especially here in the U.S. where our educational system seems to be floundering.
Once a student is accepted to the desired school people seem to relax and let things then ride on their own and rely on the system and become remiss. Many believe it is not their job to review or better understand what and how things are being taught, they lean on the fact that they are putting trust into the system, district, school, and teacher. Without oversight and constant review a district can fail and the education received can be inadequate. It is imperative that parents become active participants with concerns to their child’s education.
Take a look at what program the school has to offer. What extra-curricular activities are available? Is there extra-help and support when needed? What special certifications does the school have? How long are the core class times? How many study halls or non-essential classes is your child in per day? Per week? What is the homework like? Are curriculum materials out-dated? Have you received course descriptions? Have lesson plans been created and shared with parents? How often do teachers have an unannounced class review? Does your school offer extra credit courses? Does the school offer AP courses? What are the elective courses like and how strong are they? These are all questions each parent should be asking and staying in front of.
Education is easy, we are educated every day in life but a top-notch education is not easy to come by. Due diligence is the key. A successful next generation is reliant on a first-rate education.
https://www.linq.com/2020/10/the-real-cost-of-address-fraud-for-k-12-schools/
https://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2009/03/02/schools-crack-down-on-boundary-hopping