https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 08 May 2026 10:52:30 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-222129 Mon, 16 Jul 2012 07:39:41 +0000 Charm54 222129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@banana: Thank you for your kind words! They do mean a lot :) </p> <p>@scg00387: It's a combination of factors, I think it definitely starts at the district level but I am in a very small district so maybe that's why they have the impact that they do. They make the decisions on literacy initiatives. In our district using a basal in NOT an option. We must use a balanced literacy block and it is very clear as to what the expectations are. That being said, each individual teacher has the luxury of implementing that block however they want, as long as they keep the overall integrity of Balanced Literacy in tact. </p> <p>Our district is huge in promoting teachers to take risks and try 21C learning practices, giving PD on project based learning, etc. A good school and principal will encourage their teachers to try these things. Our principal, for example, began enrichment blocks this year where every single student in our K-5 school got to participate in something they were passionate about (geocaching, ballet, claymation, cooking, etc.) When a principal or school goes 'outside of the box' to try these types of things, that's a good sign to me! </p> <p>If it was me shopping around (a luxury - we only have one district to choose from!) I would first contact the districts and ask about their policies on how they think students learn best in literacy, math, etc. I'd also ask if any of their schools implement 21C (project-based, collaborative, problem-based) learning. Most districts (I would hope!) could answer your first question easily. If they can't answer your second they probably aren't on top of current trends and you might want to look elsewhere. Again, if you are in a larger area the district might have less direct impact on the schools in which case you might want to go directly to the principals!</p> <p>What lucky babies around here, to have such invested parents! I know our district/school/principal/teachers would be thrilled to answer questions about how we teach and help students learn. Good luck! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-222025 Sun, 15 Jul 2012 21:52:13 +0000 immabeetoo 222025@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@char54 what great information!! do you think that the majority of those factors are made my individual schools or by districts? I'm not due until November - but we're potentially buying a house in a new area and I'm trying to consider what is the best school district to buy into. I love the project based learned &amp; balanced literacy ideas you shared (and i think that is how I was taught in elementary school) - how would you go about finding if a school utilized these? THANK YOU! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-221063 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:24:29 +0000 T.H.O.U. 221063@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@char54: sorry meant to tag you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-221062 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 20:23:38 +0000 T.H.O.U. 221062@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@banana: great tips. As an elementary school teacher , can I ask if you are teaching in a state that has adopted and or implemented the new national common core state standards? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220948 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:20:12 +0000 banana 220948@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@char54: Thanks for your support! I hope we find him a great school. :) And PLEASEEEEE keep up your passion for education. We need more teachers like you around! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220945 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:18:32 +0000 Charm54 220945@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it's fabulous that you are so into your son's education.... if only every parent was as involved and concerned as you!! Having the support at home will go a LONG way in helping your son have a positive schooling experience. Lucky kid!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220939 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:09:25 +0000 banana 220939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@char54: That's such great information!! I never knew there were different teaching styles in regards to literacy! I'm loving the balanced literacy program you described above. The reason I'm trying to get a head start in elementary school research is because my son has a speech delay and I want to make sure we put him in a school that will cater to his level. He may/may not catch up by the time he goes to elementary school but I dont' want to wait until then to start figuring things out.</p> <p>I love that you love education! I hope the teachers at my son's school are as passionate about education as you are! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220930 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:03:28 +0000 Charm54 220930@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Project based learning/21C skills are definitely just emerging, but I think they are so so important for our littlest learners. I really put an emphasis on them this year and my 7 year olds THRIVED and actually won a national award for their work they did in promoting tourism through technology. I don't know if most schools would be involved in this yet but if you found one that was it's definitely a sign of a progressive school.</p> <p>Balanced literacy involves teaching children to read at the level they are at. Small group and individual instruction is key. The teacher uses lots of different ways and strategies to help a child learn to read, write, speak, and spell. I would want my own child in a program that allows lots of time for independent reading with books that he/she is interested in. </p> <p>Basals are basically like grade level textbooks. It's difficult to differentiate for struggling or soaring readers. Typically the class follows the same story and answers the same questions questions, does spelling drills based on the same words, etc. </p> <p>To be honest though I don't have much experience with basals (maybe they've gotten better in recent years, but everything I've read has told me they are mostly outdated) In my student teaching experience, my mentor used basals.. I saw how disengaged the students were, they saw reading as a 'chore', and basically did the work just to get it done. When I got my first job in a school that does balanced literacy, it was a whole different world. The kids read because they LOVED to read and no one was left behind. If you see kids reading on the playground, bus, hallways - that's usually a good sign :)</p> <p>Sorry for rambling! Can you tell I love what I do and love education?? :-) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220918 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:54:04 +0000 banana 220918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Thehistoryofus: Wow, that is one comprehensive list! That's awesome that each school gets graded on so many criteria!</p> <p>@mrs.blue: Never considered the discipline system. I should definitely take a look at that.</p> <p>@char54: I didn't realize there were new 21st century skills taught in schools! I don't remember being engaged in much project-based learning when I was in elem school. So much has changed over the years, I don't think I would know what's new and current anymore! I know that technology is definitely something I'd want to look for. What is the difference between balanced-literacy vs Basal programs? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220905 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:42:27 +0000 Charm54 220905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As an elementary teacher, I'll chime in by saying that there's much, much more to a school than just test scores, which are typically how a school is determined to be 'good' or 'bad'. I would look into:</p> <p>-Class Sizes (very important). In my province there is a cap of 21 students for K-2, but if there is no cap in your area I would ask to see what the typical class sizes are.</p> <p>-Technology - A school that invests money and resources into improving its technologies, especially at the early elementary level, is (IMO) staying current with best practices and concerned about improving their pedagogy. </p> <p>-Teacher Philosophies - Do the teachers at the school believe in worksheets, or hands on learning? Do they encourage cross-curricular learning or focus only on traditional academics? Do they go out of their way to incorporate the ever important 21st century skills (project-based learning, cooperative learning, student-directed learning, communication, collaboration, etc) Do students spend a considerable amount of time at their desk or are they moving around? How much PE/Music/Art/2nd Language time will they get?</p> <p>-Perhaps the biggest concern for me would be the type of literacy program the school follows. Balanced-literacy programs are, (again, IMO and from my M.Ed research) much more effective and empowering than Basal series. It is becoming ever-more apparent in the education world that good teaching does not equal following a scripted or extremely constraining literacy program. </p> <p>-How does the school accommodate for diverse learners?</p> <p>-What types of events are put on by the Home and School? </p> <p>Even after all the best research, though, you just have to go with your overall 'vibe' and gut feeling. Good luck!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220797 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:12:27 +0000 Mrs. Blue 220797@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Other than test scores, class ratio, and word of mouth, I would look at what programs they offer, how long their teachers stay at a particular school, how much interaction and activities are going on in the classroom, and the degree of parent involvement. When you walk around, look at how classes are set up. For instance, I always grouped my students desks because it facilitated student-centered learning and group activities. If you observe a class for a few hours, you should be able to see that the teacher has a good system of classroom management in place (basically, you should be able to see that the teachers primarily handle discipline issues within their own classroom through a system that the students know and understand). Those are a few things that pop into my head. It's been a few years since I've taught, but if you have any questions let me know! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220769 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 15:03:09 +0000 LuLu Mom 220769@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Word of mouth is the best for us, of course in addition to school ratings/performance on tests. The area that we will be living in we haev the option between 2 schools (small town USA) &amp; I want one and DH wants the other (the one he graduated from) but it has a poor rating compared to the other one, however it is about 2x as large with more activities. We have awhile, but its still a lot to think about. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220687 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:12:35 +0000 T.H.O.U. 220687@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work in education so I can try to help. </p> <p>In our state all schools are given a "School Grade". It is primarily based on student performance on the state standardized test. However, there are other factors that the state publishes that you can look at. The high school grades include a bit more into the calculation like advanced courses and graduation rates. Our state sets standard class sizes but districts can work with that (and there are loop holes). </p> <p><a href="http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/xls/1112/All-districts-11-12.xls" rel="nofollow">http://schoolgrades.fldoe.org/xls/1112/All-districts-11-12.xls</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220680 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 14:07:07 +0000 Minnie_Girl 220680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@banana: You'd have to ask for permission of course, but I don't think it would be a problem. The teachers and students are used to having people observe their classes (administrators, student teachers, parents, etc.). I would try framing the request in terms of being new to the district/area and wanting to know your child's potential teachers better. Nothing crazy or high strung about that! :)</p> <p>It's really not that unusual a request. The school probably has guidelines and time limits on parent observation. In my experience, educators can really appreciate an involved parent, so long as they're nice and friendly, not pushy or antagonistic! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220650 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:47:06 +0000 banana 220650@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs.high heels @minnie_girl: Do you think they will they let us sit in on a classroom? None of my friends have looked into the public schools to this degree (they just went with word of mouth and rankings) so I kind of feel like people might look at us like we're crazy, high strung parents! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220638 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:34:00 +0000 Minnie_Girl 220638@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd talk to the teachers and sit in on classes if possible. Or stay for an entire day and try experiencing the schedule, eating the lunch. </p> <p>Personally, I think the state of the facilities says a lot about the state of the school. New or well tended buildings; pleasant classrooms that aren't too busy or dull; outdoor playgrounds and gardens in good repair; pristine bathrooms and cafeteria. They all suggest care (and money, which is definitely not a bad thing). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220622 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:25:27 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 220622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i was just about to recommend the greatschools link @chopsuey119 posted! but other than rankings, i would listen to word of mouth, talk to teacher friends, look at the student/teacher ratio, curriculum, programs, and amount of funding the school gets. </p> <p>california is slashing school budgets like crazy, but depending on the city.. some schools are still funded better than others.</p> <p>can you maybe sit in on a class and see how it's run? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220595 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:11:00 +0000 chopsuey 220595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>student to teacher ratio is impt to us too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220594 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:10:36 +0000 chopsuey 220594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@banana: found this!<br /> <a href="http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/school-visit/24-the-school-visit-what-to-look-for-what-to-ask.gs" rel="nofollow">http://www.greatschools.org/find-a-school/school-visit/24-the-school-visit-what-to-look-for-what-to-ask.gs</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-look-for-in-a-good-public-school#post-220584 Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:03:22 +0000 banana 220584@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hear people talk about good vs bad public schools. But besides the ratings you hear about on the internet and just general word of mouth, how do you know if the public school is a "good" school? What are you supposed to look for?</p> <p>I'm going on a tour of my son's future public elementary school and I have no idea what to look for/ask. We decided that if we didn't like the public elementary school, we would look at private. </p>