As a director of admissions who taught calculus and coached football in 1962, I had a crisis of conscience when I realized I was part of a competitive educational system valuing certain abilities that blocked the full development of the unique potential of students.
Small classes are at the top of the list. If the private high school you are looking at doesn't have small classes, what's the point? Now, small can be interpreted in different ways. But typically a class size of 12-15 students will allow students plenty of interaction with their teacher. That's really what you are looking for anyway when you consider sending your child to a private high school.
Small classes mean that your child won't just be a number. It's very difficult to hide in a small class. Some teens prefer to sit on the edges and observe. A small class draws students into the discussions and activities. From a teaching point of view small classes are beneficial because the teacher can see how each student is doing. Discipline is not an issue in a private high school as a rule, so small class sizes have little impact on that aspect of classroom management. The real
bottomline benefit is that true teaching and learning can occur. That's, after all, what you want anyway.
Highly Qualified Teachers
By highly qualified we mean a first degree in the subject being taught complemented by an advanced degree. The intrinsic passion a teacher has for his subject should be fortified by the requisite coursework in that subject specialty. In other words, if a teacher is teaching physics or calculus, he should have a respectable first degree in those subjects. Preferably honors degrees. Adding a masters degree
Private school students are covered by contract law, not constitutional rights. Her rights and privileges are clearly detailed in the contract you, her parent, signed with the school. This is a legal and binding document.
Here then are five things you must not do with personal technology while under school jurisdiction.
Harrassing is broadly defined as bothering somebody. It takes many forms and runs the gamut from racial
F Below 60
If your school uses a variation of this scheme, then be sure to send a key or explanation sheet attached to each transcript. Failure to do so could cause mis-interpretation of students' results.
As a parent you need to spend quality time with your child. Listen to him. Don't talk at him. Share your experiences and feelings. Be available. Keep firearms and other weapons locked up.
As a student you need to be aware of what is going on with your peers. If you notice somebody acting strangely or talking about 'ending it', take it seriously. Get help.
As an administrator you need to promote awareness of suicide. You need to proactively hold training for suicide prevention. Create 24/7 access to an anonymous suicide hotline. Offer help and counseling. Above all do not stigmatize students or staff for reporting information.
As a teacher you need to be