When they asked the little girl where her home was she replied - Where mother is

The Big School Debate

31
May

schoolOk - if you are a mom with a child aged 5 onwards, then you are a mom who has had to make the decision on what type of elementary school to send your child to.

I really didn't think there was much of an issue about public school, and didn't give it any thought when I signed my son up for a public school that is within walking distance of our house - after all - we live in a great neighbourhood, so the school must be great too...right?.....

This past week, I visited the potential school my son is to attend in the fall, and was greatly disappointed. The teachers did not address my concerns, and glossed over the number of students in each classroom. It was only until after I asked more questions, did they finally reveal that there would be twenty per class, and that all of the grades have "splits".

In addition, the school does not excel in their academics, but rather are just below, or "meet" expectations. What?!

Who wants their child to attend a school where their child may be in a split class in later years with younger children? And what about the academics issue...isn't that a red flag?

I came home and started investigating private schools - which if you don't know - cost about $10,000 - upwards for one-year here in British Columbia. But what are their academics like?

In one word - exceptional. 95 - 98% of them go on to University, and have a high level of achievement. In addition, the class sizes are smaller so there is more opportunity to receive one-on-one attention.

However, I looked at all the pictures of the children wearing their suits and ties, and how regimented it appeared, and couldn't picture my son there either. I don't want him to be too stressed over school, after all, this is elementary school, but I don't want him to be an underachiever either.

I really encourage anyone with an opinion to weigh in on this issue that has me quite perplexed.

Both seem to have their pros and cons, but what do you feel is the most important thing for a child to have when they attend school?

And is this the norm for public schools or the exception?

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Marilyn/PrePaid Legal (not verified) | Wed, 07/02/2008 - 11:03

I read with interest your dilemma in sending your son to school. I do believe that it is one of the most difficult actions that parents are faced with. We give up our child for 2 ½ hours, 5 days a week to the influence of a relative stranger. Our children’s minds are like sponges, and able to soak up whatever information, images or instructions that are communicated to them.

We are often not given the opportunity to inquire anything of the person that will be teaching our child - - other than they meet certain governmental standards.

Before our oldest son started school, my husband and I discussed our options. I would have been happy to home school. My husband received most of his education through B.C. Correspondence School, in Japan, as his parents were missionaries there. He felt it was a real drawback not to have the opportunity of exchange with other students, both to challenge and broaden the educational process.

We were not in a financial position to afford a private school. We have talked to family & friends whose children have attended private schools. Students there are given an excellent education that is both balanced and well rounded. As you state in your blog, it is more regimented and disciplined.

In our public elementary school experience with our sons, we found that the principal made a tremendous difference in the atmosphere of the school. Unfortunately, at that time ('83-‘90) principals were moved every five years or so, to another school. When our son started kindergarten, we were blessed with a wonderful principal. It was a real disappointment when he was moved out four years later, and the atmosphere of the school changed.

I believe the most important role for a parent, regardless of the system that you choose, is to be your child’s ADVOCATE . There is no one who understands and cares for your child, like you do. Talk to parents who have gone through the school. Make a request for the teacher that would be best suited for your child. To ensure that your child has the best possible education, you have to let your voice be heard. The parent that is involved in the school (Parent Advisory Committee-PAC) is taken more seriously than one who is not

Split classes are a fact of life in BC, as well as ESL. I believe that much could be done to improve the system, without additional expenditures.

Teachers have to cope with a huge range of ability among the students in their classroom. The child that is a “good” student often doesn’t get the individual attention that he should have. Because of time and funding factors, some children aren’t challenged to ‘stretch’ to greater achievements.

As a concerned parent, there are some wonderful opportunities in the community to challenge and enhance a child’s education.

I believe that the most important things in a child’s education are that:

  • He knows that he is a special individual and respected as a person. He is taught to give to others this same consideration.
  • What he thinks and feels is important. His ideas and concerns will be listened to.
  • He is able to become whatever he wants to be and able to do whatever he can dream.
  • Encourage DREAMING ! !

Your son is already ahead of many who are just starting kindergarten - - he has wonderfully supportive parents, and grandparents !

Anonymous (not verified) | Fri, 06/06/2008 - 19:09

I have many of the same concerns about sending my twins off to school in the next few years, but I also have further insight as an elementary school teacher.

It is very misleading to use "graded" lists of schools, usually based on highly biased Fraser Institute testing, as a basis for deciding which school suits your child best. It is also unfair to compare private schools with public schools using these results. Private schools are able to select their students through a testing and personal interview process. A public school is required to accept all students regardless of learning difficulty, English language ability, demographic...the list goes on. As  result, FSA results from  public schools reflect an average of all types of learners.

 It sounds as though you did the best thing possible on your road to choosing a good school; by going into the school and talking to teachers and administrators you can get a very good sense of the flavour of a school. Indeed, each institute is its own microcosm and one can differ greatly from another located merely blocks away.

 It saddens me when I see people dismiss "east side" schools in favour of those on the west side of Vancouver. I have worked in both and actually enjoyed my east side experience far more. There I found students who were appreciative and hardworking, unlike some of the "entitled" kids who populate the west side schools.

 Keep exploring schools personally. I do not personally believe that a private school is the answer. Here's hoping you find the one that enables your child to thrive!