How to Choose the Best Schools for Your Kids
One of the most important decisions parents make is what school they will enroll their children in. It’s a big decision with several factors to consider. The education children receive impacts them for the rest of their lives.
Parents should take into consideration a school’s curriculum, the amount of training and education its teachers have, and how the school performs on state tests. Here’s what to look for as you decide what’s best for your child.
Teachers Matter
Good schools attract and keep good teachers. Check into the education level of the teachers on staff. Ask what colleges the teachers attended for their certification. Find out what staff development opportunities your campus offers. Good teachers never stop adding to their skills. Your child’s teacher should be able to tell you what professional development he or she attended over the summer.
Look at the years of experience held, not just by the grade level your child is entering. If a large percentage of the staff has fewer than five years of teaching experience, they haven’t had the years of practice it takes to be a high-quality educator.
Also, consider how long teachers stay at the school. If administration supports teachers in their jobs and provides opportunities for growth, they’re more likely to stay. High turnover indicates teacher dissatisfaction. Stressed teachers who feel unappreciated can’t give 100 percent to your child.
Look for a Strong Phonics-Based Reading Program in Elementary
When you visit the classroom, you should see a print-rich environment. Even in pre-K, teachers should expose students to letters and words. In early grades, make sure there’s a strong emphasis on the correspondence between letters and sounds.
Choose a school that champions reading. Teachers should take a systematic approach to get students reading throughout the day and advocate reading at home. Find out how often classes attend the library and if students are allowed to take books home.
Find a Rigorous Math Program
Ask how the schools you’re considering teach math from grade level to grade level. You should see a gradual progression from using manipulatives and concrete objects to represent quantities, then to more abstract representations.
Recess Is Important
Children need to move. Physical activity increases brain function and gives kids the downtime they need to process what they’re learning. A school that understands what your child needs will provide opportunities for outside play on a daily basis.
Crestone Ridge is one of the best places to buy a home for your family, and that’s in part because Yukon, Oklahoma offers some of the best schools in the area. Contact us today to find out more.
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