High School

[RiverOtter]

Good Morning! This is a very interesting topic, but one that could be debated for a long, long time with no definitive answer. !

Jessica will give it her best shot :roll: :mrgreen:

 

[Kurt]

Good Morning! This is a very interesting topic, but one that could be debated for a long, long time with no definitive answer. I am also a former educator and parent of two college graduates. My children were born with certain personality traits that have been with them their entire lives. In some cases the outside environment moved them in certain directions, but in other times their genetic makeup took control. Sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad. We tried public and private schools, but my opinion is that the students need to learn to adjust and make the best of whatever environment they may be in at the time. We cannot "create" the ideal environment for them for a lifetime. Learning to "live" and achieve is what we need to teach. I'm sure that I don't know how to do that. Positive home support and exposure to education and books are things all parents can do regardless of financial standing. Decisions about a child's school need to be made with the entire family's welfare in mind. IMO (humble as it is).

Have a good weekend!

What wise words. Thanks. 8)

 

[GraytonBound]

Learning to "live" and achieve is what we need to teach.

Good thought! Makes me lean towards public school because it's more "real world" than the sheltered private school life.

And I would like to teach my kids to choose a path that they enjoy instead of dealing with the stress & pressure of corporate America. (Of course they'll never have the $ to leave home :shock: )

Thanks Oldtimer! It really helps me to hear the advice of those who have "been there done that".

 

[Smiling JOe]

I think Neil has taught me more than my freshman English teacher.

Kurt, did we have the same English teacher?

Amen, Brother!

 

[Smiling JOe]

Let us also remember that every student has a different way of learning. Expose kids to life and they will grow to be well rounded and respectful adults.

By the way, attending an exclusive college does not make one successful. Success lies within each individual, not within the school. I learned more on my own at the public and college libraries than I ever dreamed of learning in High School. I was always too busy with many interests. The twist is that we all perform better when someone inspires or encourages us. Urge your kids to seek out these people, and learn from everyone. Teachers are not our only source for encouraging words.

 

[GraytonBound]

The twist is that we all perform better when someone inspires or encourages us.

:idea:



Thanks SJ! I think I'll print that out & put it on the fridge! It's a good reminder

 

[Kurt]

I think Neil has taught me more than my freshman English teacher.

Kurt, did we have the same English teacher?

Amen, Brother!

Possible. We probably have vinyl in common. :wink:

 

[Rita]

Yes - Motivators! Great teachers know how to motivate!

Something we've looked for in a school is if teachers are trying to get positions in the particular school in question. One way to know that the hiring staff has a good pool for selecting.

 

[GraytonBound]

Yet another good idea, thanks! :idea: But how do you find out if there are a lot of teachers applying? I guess you gotta know the right people to talk to.

Rita, sounds like you have been through this before- do you still have school-age children? Just curious where they go to school.

 

[Rita]

Unbiased contacts goota be found. Substitute teachers are good 'cause they can tell you their impression of the school and students as they're in a unique position - they are more likely to be forthright and will have first-hand knowledge of the "respectfulness" of the majority of the students.

Besides the quality of education, it has been important to us that our daughter (13) be with as few "snooty/better than you" types as possible. Otherwise we welcome a diverse student body in terms of attitudes as well as culture.

She'll finish through high school in TX school system, which is getting bogged down with teaching to the TAKS test. Teachers sigh in relief when they have the last month or to actually teach as they would like!