What should we look for in choosing a quality school?
Along with test scores and statistics you should consider these good-school indicators:
- Parent involvement
Parents volunteer in the classrooms, on curriculum committees, on the PTA and at fund-raisers.
- Teacher enthusiasm
Teachers go the extra mile, depend on experience but aren't afraid to try a new approach, respond to students individually and work to meet their needs. A good teacher nurtures a love of learning in her classroom every day.
- High standards
Children are expected to work to their highest potential and are given the help they need to reach it.
- Community support
Schools have the political and financial backing of everyone, and have business "partners" who provide added money and opportunities for students.
- Innovative administrators
Schools combine the best of the old ways with newer materials and methods to help all children succeed.