10/30/98

Selection Criteria for School Choice

Q: What did SNET Internet readers have to say about last week's question regarding selection criteria for choosing public vs. private vs. parochial schools for their children?

A: Dozens of readers answered this question. Their responses emphasize the importance of careful evaluation along several dimensions before making placement decisions. Having made the decision, stay informed and participate as much as possible in the educational process. Even the best schools can fall short in meeting the needs of some students. When that happens, parent knowledge and advocacy are crucial. A selection of reader responses follows:

Private Schools Expel Troublemakers

"Our three daughters did fine in public schools until high school, which was a disaster because it was so huge and impersonal. There was a population of violent, drug-dealing students there, requiring police presence on campus. The girls felt lost and overwhelmed until we transferred them to small private high schools.

"The academic programs were equally good in the public and private schools, but discipline and expectations were stricter in the private sector. The children who refused to adhere to private school tenets of basic courtesy and respect for others were asked to leave. Children who have no desire to learn should not be allowed to vent their anger and frustration in school classrooms."

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Evaluate Special Education Services

"We enrolled our two children in a Catholic school. When the younger one was diagnosed with Learning Disabilities in the first grade, we had to arrange to have him transported to a public school for special education services, because the parochial school staff did not have the expertise to help him. After a year of disruption caused by carting him back and forth between the schools, we decided to move both of them into the public school, where they are flourishing. They were sad about leaving their friends, but quickly made new ones.

"Any parent considering private school should evaluate the school's special education services to be sure support services are available on site."

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A School Might not Live Up to its Reputation

"Our children, ages 11 and 14, have always attended parochial schools until this year. The first parochial school was wonderful academically, but the physical plant was lacking, and there were constant rumors of closing. The next one had a better building and cost more than the first, but the teaching staff was unimpressive.

"So we doubled our mortgage payment in order to move to a town with highly reputed public schools. We're discovering that the academic standards are lower; things like spelling and handwriting don't count.

"There are more course offerings, like tech ed and home ec, but much of the basic curriculum our children have encountered so far, they've already been taught. We're in the process of having our son moved to more challenging classes, but the red tape is ridiculous. But we'll keep at it until things improve, because private schools are financially out of reach for us now! We hope and pray for the best for our kids ... and everyone else's."

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Examine your Biases

"Our family lives in an affluent town in Connecticut. We could afford to send our child to a private school. And while I appreciate all that we have and what our town offers, I don't want my child to grow up in a lily-white environment where everyone dresses and talks like he does. I want my child to learn that children come in all colors, shapes and sizes, and that some children (even "nice" ones who attend private schools) may have bad manners or worse yet, may be snobs. One option we are considering is a satellite school, close to our home, where children of many backgrounds come together to learn.

"The question really is not "Are private schools better?" The question is, "Can any school teach children who have been taught at home to have closed minds?"

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Look for Up-to-date Equipment, Programs

"I decided to send my children to a Catholic school because I had the naive impression that they would be with children with similar values to those I teach at home. I was wrong. There were two foul-mouthed boys in my son's class and another who was physically aggressive. I met several parents who thought their children would be unable to get into a good college if they didn't send them to a private school.

Disappointed, we investigated other private schools as well as our public schools and found that the public schools had more to offer than any of the others. They had bigger libraries, more up-to-date computers, wonderful art and music programs and numerous other resources unavailable at the private schools. We have enrolled our son in a public school where the teachers attempt to tailor the academic program to meet each child's needs."

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Check out Teacher Credentials

"Parents need to ask how many of the teachers in the private school they are considering are certified. Many parents I talk to just assume that all teachers are certified, but are surprised to discover how many teachers, even in prestigious private schools, are uncertified!"

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Consider Home Schooling

"As a parent who had two children attend a private Christian school, I was dismayed by the caliber of educators who did not enhance the learning environment there. There was a lack of creative teaching and low tolerance of student individuality. The main focus was on memorization and conformity with little development of creative or critical thinking skills.

"As a family, we found it most beneficial to attempt home schooling. The legal restrictions are few in CT, and the opportunities to create a learning environment unique to the individual child's needs is unlimited. Because of inter-library loans, the Internet and various museums and centers that gear programs to the home schooled child, our resources in CT are plentiful. There are also many statewide and local support groups for homeschoolers.

"Children have a natural tendency to explore and make sense of the world around them. Since each child has a different rate of cognitive development, each stage evolves gradually based on the child's individual experiences. Children should not be forced along a time frame for learning facts, but should be given the room to question and develop ideas which will enable them to gain a true understanding of concepts and give them a sense of accomplishment, which further motivates them to want to learn. I encourage you to consider this inexpensive alternative by reading books and articles on home schooling."

Please send questions or comments to bbruno@snet.net.