A neighbor of mine, whose child is entering Kindergarten, recently approached me to learn about my children’s experiences in public school, with my older child, almost 14, having attended a number of G & T programs, and my younger child finishing up grade 4 at our zoned neighborhood school. I would hope that my advice not only reflects my own experiences but a kind of aggregate wisdom I’ve accumulated as a journalist listening to educators and parents. But who knows? I’m sure I’m most revealing when I speak from the heart.
So, for those of you grappling with your own school choices, I’d like to share my impressions (so far).
Is a G & T education dramatically superior to that of a good neighborhood school? No. Of course, there are benefits, but a well-run local school with high standards and differentiated reading and math groups in the classrooms meets the needs of lots of smart kids all the time.
Is the culture of “teaching to the test” as pervasive as parents are saying? My impression is yes, and part of the problem is it also bleeds into family time. As educators wrestle with how best to teach to Common Core knowledge, I hope they keep in mind that parents are feeling compelled to spend a lot of time helping with homework and providing tutoring—not merely because of test scores but because the class work is racing past their kids
Is private school education worth the price? I can tell you this: Most parents I know with children in private school are deeply satisfied with it, even those for whom it creates a lot of financial stress.
And now onto the May issue! There are many stories I’m proud of this month but they will have to speak for themselves!
Have A Happy May!
Eric Messinger
Editor, emessinger@www.newyorkfamily.com
