OT-Top 1300 Schools in US

[*KeepMovingForward*]

I'm sorry, where do you guys hear about the crappy (my own words) Florida schools? I think some are bad, some are good, just like everywhere. Yes, the ricer areas have the best schools but they also have the most parent involvement usually, which goes hand in hand with better schools.

I own a home (we've moved but kept the house) in one of the best districts in Florida. (Clay County) I moved there when I was a teen and graduated from there and I have sent my own children to elem schools in that district. I've been nothing but happy with the education they received there.

Can't say that about Hawaii, ugg!!!

I have a friend in Osceola county-she teaches there and tells me the schools are horrible compared to where she taught in NC. I have another friend that lives in Miami (albeit, not the rich areas of Miami) and she complains about the schools. My BIL lives in Lake Worth and has nothing but terrible things to say about the schools for his kids.

Not sure if any of their opinions have merit or not, but yes, what I hear does scare me. It definitely helped solidify our decision to stay in NJ until our kids are done with school. If I heard these things from people that I didn't know and didn't trust, I would not lay much stock into what they have to say, but since these folks are my trusted friends and relatives, I do take what they say at face value.

Like you said, there are good and bad places in every state for the schools. I know we don't have the luxury of being one of the uber rich...hence we have to work and so I guess we can't be as involved as maybe some schools systems would like. We do what we can, but that is kind of sad to think that in order for our kids to get a better education that we have to be totally immersed in the experience ourselves.

 

[kribit]

Another Floridian here. I agree that the schools here are pretty mixed. You can have a great school 3 blocks away from a horrible school (and I'm not exaggerating). It all comes down to parental involvent, teachers and leadership (principal) of the schools.
The one thing I will say that stinks about schools here now is they teach to the FCAT. I'm pretty sure no matter what state you go to though there is some standardized test that gets crammed down the kids throats. In alot of ways I wouldn't mind my kids school not being an A rated school if it meant they got to have recess (What kids want a chance to play outside???) or take field trips again!!!

Two of my best friends are teachers in one of the best districts in MA and they also cram the MCAS down their throats. I think this is commonplace in a lot of states. I'm not a teacher, so I can't testify if it's a good thing or bad thing. In some ways, I want to ensure my children are learning what is required of their age, but on the other hand I want it to be a good experience and not set guidelines based on what the test calls for.

It's such a struggle for me as a parent to figure out exactly what I want for my children as far as schools go. From personal experience, I had the opportunity to attend private school my entire life, but my husband went through public. As far as college, we both graduated similar schools with similar grades. I guess with all things, there are good public and good private schools. I presume Florida has good and bad of both just like the rest of the country.

I do have a question for all the teachers out there. I understand these standardized tests are becoming popular in all states. The teachers who I've spoken to indicate that some states have "harder" tests and more stringent guidelines. I find that somewhat hard to believe. Shouldn't these tests be similar across the country? How could the US make a comparison say between Florida and CT if the tests weren't similar in content?

 

[RedAlfalfa]

We do what we can, but that is kind of sad to think that in order for our kids to get a better education that we have to be totally immersed in the experience ourselves.

By parental involvement all I mean is having a parent that makes sure their child does their homework (and helps the child if the child needs it). When I was teaching (pre-kids so it's been 5 years) I had 1st graders. All they were required to do for "homework" was to read 15 mins. The parents had a log sheet that they would list the book read. It could be any book- as long as they were reading together. I don't think 15 mins is too much to ask from a parent.
From my limited experience (only the 1 year in regular education) the kids whose parents routinely filled out the log were the ones at or above grade level.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

By parental involvement all I mean is having a parent that makes sure their child does their homework (and helps the child if the child needs it). When I was teaching (pre-kids so it's been 5 years) I had 1st graders. All they were required to do for "homework" was to read 15 mins. The parents had a log sheet that they would list the book read. It could be any book- as long as they were reading together. I don't think 15 mins is too much to ask from a parent.
From my limited experience (only the 1 year in regular education) the kids whose parents routinely filled out the log were the ones at or above grade level.

Okay, I understand. I thought you were talking of the parents who just about take up residency at the schools with volunteering, coaching, PTA, class trips, class moms, heading fundraisers, etc.

Nope, I don't think 15 minutes of reading is too much and to be honest, making sure your kid does their homework isn't either. I'm sure there are parents out there that are just too busy or can't be bothered to keep tabs on things...such a shame. We spread ourselves as thinly as possible to make sure it all gets done at the end of the day.