thirteen school thoughts

Our district is doing some research to understand what neighborhood parents would need in order to keep their kids in the public school system through graduation. While local elementary schools continue to improve and gain popularity, the high schools haven't overcome the stigma of "urban school problems."  So, I was asked by a friend of a friend to compile a list of my thoughts about local schools.   

It seems that many local parents who are involved and support their neighborhood school are opting to move into the suburbs or send their children into "chartered" waters instead of stick with the local public system.  Many believe that city schools are a failure, and parents who know the choices (and can afford to make them) are making moves to get their children a solid education.  It is safe to note, however, that suburban schools face their own challenges, as do charter and private schools.  In short, the public schools around here are trying to see if there are long-term solutions, not just band-aids, to make education better.

I'm not completely sure how I feel about all of this. I have many friends who homeschool, others who send their kids to private or charter options, a few in local schools, and even more who have moved to the suburbs. I hear the widespread opinion that city schools aren't teaching our children. However, when we moved here I looked at the numbers and started talking to parents and teachers, and appearances aren't always reality.

So, I've enlisted the help of Obi-1 and Obi-2 to think about school. We're years off from high school, but kindergarten is just around the corner. With their help, we put together a list of ideas about what schools should have, do, and be. I'm very curious to see the response of parents and educators who have far more insight on this topic. 

In your comments, please remember that I try to protect my family's identity & neighborhood on this blog. Thanks!

Question: What should we have in school?  (with MamaToo's thoughts in notes)

1. Reading! (Literacy, languages, and learning by research are all important skills.  Though this blog is often guilty of typos, it's important that my children learn to read, speak, and write well.)
   


2. Color & art projects (Yes - art, art, art!)
   


3. Playing with friends (A place of safe, positive, diverse social interactions is important.)


4. Telling stories (Hearing the stories of other students & teachers encourages learning, as well as creates memories and builds a positive teen culture.  Building listening skills encourages life-long learning.)


5. Jumping & running (Absolutely - an active life is a healthy life!)


6. Counting (Math skills spill into nearly every career and subject, and are critical pieces of education.)


7. Singing songs & playing instruments (Again, yes - art, art, art - more than just colors!  Creative skills are problem solving skills!  While we're at it, how about dancing and acting, too?)


8. Using a computer (More than just games!  A strong technology training equips children to be part of the culture and pace of our society.)


9. Learning about animals and plants.  (Fresh out of the book Ralph S. Mouse, my boys are eager to have a classroom pet.  In the bigger picture, I will look for strong science curricula & teachers, as well as many opportunities for experiential learning.)


10. Kindergarten in the morning, so we can have lunch with Mama (In a longer-range view, a balance of school & school work gives value to time with family.  This is important to me, and will factor into our school & activities choices.  Hours of homework after hours of school leaves little time for human interaction.)


11. We can build things.  (I seem to have some kinesthetic learners on my hands!  I do think it will be important to see varied teaching & learning styles represented in classrooms, to stretch their learning.  Also, a variety of technical/skill classes available, in addition to strong academic subjects, will convince me a school is committed to preparing every child to use his/her gifts.)


12. From MamaToo: this should go without saying, but kids better be able to use the bathroom, hang out in the library, and go up and down stairwells safely.  I'm pretty sure they can in our local schools, but I've heard horror stories of basic safety needs run awry by gangs or unruly kids.  I can't send my kids somewhere they aren't safe.


13. Also from MamaToo: a diverse population.  We chose to live in an urban area, so I can't see sending my children to a school that doesn't have students of different economic, ethnic, political, or even religious backgrounds.  I think something more homogenous wouldn't represent the place we live and the people we love.  I'm not seeking out challenge, but I don't want to keep them from engaging diversity.  Obviously, that brings its own challenges, but those are part of real life in the real world.  It seems better to learn how to interact and succeed within diversity while you're still young.

p.s. I almost forgot - many people write lists on Thursdays, not all of them as heavy topics as school choices! :)  Be sure to visit them, and leave your link in comments if you're a TT-er! :)