Choosing a good school…

by Steven A. Melnick — For people who already rent or own a home, the choice of which elementary school their child(ren) will attend is determined largely by geography. School districts typically have defined attendance zones for each of their buildings.  But for those parents who are moving to a new neighborhood, the choice of where you will live and, consequently, which school your child(ren) will attend is an important consideration.  The decision should be based on as much information as possible and not be limited to the popular “countable” measures included in the school’s “annual report card” or touted by real estate agents (e.g., test scores, free/reduced lunch percents, per pupil expenditures, etc.).  School quality is a combination of many interrelated factors and is not so easily reduced to a number. Effective schools tend to have a safe and orderly environment, clear school mission, high expectations for all students, effective leadership, frequent monitoring of student progress, and strong home/school relations.

Here are a few tips on what to look for…

Safe and Orderly Environment

• Are the building and grounds in good repair and inviting?
• Are the hallways, classrooms, cafeteria, and bathrooms kept neat, clean, and attractive?
• How large is the school?  What is the average class size?
• What is the school’s record related to safe schools and school violence?
• Ask to see a copy of the school discipline policy along with other school policies.
• Does the school have an emergency plan?
• Does it have an evacuation plan?
• Ask to see a copy of the school discipline policy along with other school policies.
• What are the procedures for building and playground security?
• Who supervises the playground during recess (teachers?  aides?  parents?) ?

Clear School Mission

• Is the school’s mission clearly articulated?  Do the teachers, administrators, and staff know what it is?  Do you agree with it?  Is it posted anywhere?
• Check out the library.  How extensive is the collection?  Does it seem appropriate for the school’s size?
• What technology is available for teachers (e.g., computers, smart board, computer projectors, etc.) ?
• What technologies are available for student learning?
• Guidance counselors?  School nurse?  Librarian?  Are they dedicated to one building or serve multiple buildings within the district?

High Expectations for All Students

• Do the principal, teachers, and staff seem welcoming?
• What percent of the student body attend school on a daily basis?
• Does the school employ teacher aides to assist with instruction?  How many?  At what grade(s)?
• What special programs are available?
• Is there support for special needs children?
• Are there programs for gifted children?
• Are there music and arts programs?
• Take a walk through the school.  What type of learning do you see occurring in classrooms?  Lectures?  Small group work?  Worksheets/workbooks?  Do the children seem excited?
• How are classrooms organized?  By grade?  Multi-age grouping?  Looping (single class stays with the same teacher multiple years)?

Effective Leadership

• How long has the principal been in place?
• How long have the teachers been in the building?
• Are there are a lot of transfers and constant teacher/administrator turnover?
• Do teachers and administrators seem glad to be there?

Frequent Monitoring of Student Progress

• How does the school perform, relative to other similar schools, on state and national tests?
• Ask to see a sample of the school’s report card.
• How is the children’s work evaluated?  Strictly by grades or test scores or do they include a variety of assessment practices?

Strong Home/School Relations

• Home-school relations are vital.  What do other parents in the area say about the school(s) you are considering?
• Does the school have a regular process for communicating with parents?
• Does the school have a website?  Is it current?
• Do the teachers have websites?  Are homework assignments, grades, and other  curriculum information available there?  Is there information there about what topics are being covered in school this week?
• What before-and-after-school programs are provided?
• Are parents welcome to volunteer?  Do they?
• What programs are provided that parents and the public attend?
• Does the school have a parent organization (PTA/PTO)?  How many parents participate in those organizations?  What kinds of activities do they do?

Other

• Length/time of school day?
• Transportation?
• Meals?  How nutritious are they?

While it is no easy task to chose the right school, trying to select the right one is well worth the effort.  There is no ideal scoring system for the above items.  Rather, you need to feel comfortable that your child will be safe, be able to learn, and be surrounded by people who truly care for children.  Ask the hard questions and insist on complete answers.

If you already have a school, how would you rate it using the above list?  How would you rate the school you attended?

In a future post, I’ll show you where to find some of the above information.  Let me know if you think of anything missing?