I received a letter today stating that because Holly's elementary school is a Title I program school (they serve a lot of high-poverty kids; it's kind of a poor area, admittedly) and did not meet its Adequate Yearly Progress as required by the No Child Left Behind Act, I have the option to transfer her to one of two other elementary schools that did make the cut or aren't Title I (I'm honestly not sure which is the case; I need to get more info on them).
One school is way downtown and pretty much out of the question. The other is a little further from our house than the one she's currently assigned to, but is in a better area (also, she might be far enough to meet requirements for bus transportation, which is free here and with a one-vehicle family would be a LOT more convenient).
Would you transfer your child, in my shoes? I have until the 18th to get her transferred; school starts on the 25th. WWYD? Thoughts?
Would you be able to tour the other school and meet who her teacher would be? I'm not sure I would judge the school soley on test scores (which I think are a load of bs anyhow...but I'll stay away from that).
I guess I would go with comfort, where you see Holly thriving, where you feel you will be supported and involved. I think the ABCs and 123s are only so much. The "feel" of a school that you can't classify on some artificial test means a lot too.
I think Jenn is right. Go to the school and take a look. Find out what class size is and ask about enrichment programs and the classes like art, computer, and pe. Do you feel comfortable there? I think it might be a good opportunity, but until you really know what they offer, I don't think you can really make a decision.
Thanks, Jenn and Libby. I do plan on going to see the schools before making a final choice. I thought her school was okay, feel-wise, but with those scores it's making me wonder if it's really the right fit for her. Never hurts to look at more options than we had. I do wish we had more time!
Does it sound odd for me to tell you I am happy you have this choice? It gives you more options to find the perfect match for Holly.
Some schools spend so much time teaching kids to pass the test, they don't have very strong programs for other subjsects like the arts (PE, music, art) because they are not on the tests.
Our schools have realized that the parents have been pulling their kids from the public school and putting them in charter schools in the area because they offer Spanish, music, art and computer in addition to math and english. The low test scores will have to be addressed by the school board, so they will have to come up... I'd look for the overall flavor of the school and how well rounded they seem to be.
I have no idea what to tell you, Mel. Making these decisions is SO hard.
I know that the elementary school across the street from work pulls from the very poorest areas of our city and the big issue they had this year was that the kids who were in primary had never been in any formal school situation before and the class room was pure chaos (we were told by the principal of the school and he said that the teacher needed two other adults in the room to control the kids).
It gets better as they get older but that first year was very rough for this school.
I'd probably look at the one where she was bussed since that would help you out.
Does it sound odd for me to tell you I am happy you have this choice? It gives you more options to find the perfect match for Holly.
Some schools spend so much time teaching kids to pass the test, they don't have very strong programs for other subjsects like the arts (PE, music, art) because they are not on the tests.
Our schools have realized that the parents have been pulling their kids from the public school and putting them in charter schools in the area because they offer Spanish, music, art and computer in addition to math and english. The low test scores will have to be addressed by the school board, so they will have to come up... I'd look for the overall flavor of the school and how well rounded they seem to be.
Public school didn't offer that?
I wouldn't pick based on test scores. I would be curious where they're not making adequate yearly progress.
I would tour all the schools and go with the one you feel the best about.
Here if you change schools due to not meeting AYP they have to bus the kids.
But...we also committed to driving our kids to and from school for K through 6th since the bus doesn't come this far for their school.
I'd really look into bus routes and such because you might have to end up driving her to the bus stop which would defeat the purpose.
ETA that on top of visiting the schools and looking at test scores, talking to parents from both schools and getting their opinions is SUCH a great resource.
-- Edited by kdrew on Tuesday 10th of August 2010 09:27:56 AM
I do wish we had more time!
