What makes a good or bad school?
It is something I’ve thought about for a long time, even before I became a parent.
I am fascinated by the playground chatter about schools – mostly heresay and often about whether that school has a good or bad ‘reputation’. Rarely does it go deeper than anecdotal.
So when David Gillespie’s book Free Schools, how to get a good education for your kids without spending a fortune came out I was keen to find out what the research showed really does matter in a school.
As an experienced, professional researcher I was impressed. The book is well researched, authoritative and accessible.
His book blew up some of my own myths and beliefs. I found his book both useful and challenging. And it is a challenge for parents to go past their own bias and anecdotes they’ve heard to see what the evidence shows.
A lot of parents are interested in this topic, but don’t have enough time to read the whole book. So, I did a summary – Carla’s Cliff Notes I call it – to share with others.
I have written it for parents.
Parents like me with high expectations for their child’s education.
Parents that need to choose a primary school, a secondary school or want to assess the current school their child attends based on real evidence.
I want parents to reflect and ask how they can help make schools better – beyond the fundraising and the P&C.
And schools can be better – and for all us they need to be.
Parents have a big contribution to make to their school community.
The better informed we are, the more effective we can be – individually and collectively.
Tell us what you think. Or better yet use the information to help create a better school.
For the full summary of the book, go here.
Please let us know what you think. You can start by answering the questions below
- Did this information help you in assessing the school?
- What information or feature do you rely on to pick the school your child attends?
- How do you think you can make your existing school better?
Reblogged this on madeinmarrickville.
Very thought provoking piece Carla. I love the principal at Jack’s public school and he loves his teachers. However, his principal sends her daughter to a private school….
Yes this is interesting and I have also had this experience. Have you asked him why
Yes this is interesting and I have also had this experience. Have you asked him why?
An article and report released today emphasising the need to address equity for all by participating in public education. http://www.smh.com.au/national/education/go-public-to-improve-equity-in-all-schools-parents-urged-20140310-34hyc.html#poll
Thanks for the clifford notes. My daughter is in preschool and starts kindy next year and it stresses me out that perhaps I haven’t been thinking about the right things in terms of choosing a school… are we doing the right thing by her etc etc.and I think this helps. Thanks again