Today's Lesson

In our experience we have met 2 types of parents; parents looking for the best school (‘best’ based on a set of criteria predetermined well before they speak to us). And - the other type of parent.  Parents who are determined to find the best school for their child.

 

If you are the first type of parent, best of luck to you on your search. We are confident you will find an amazing school (as many do exist) and your child may (or may not) bask in their glow of excellence. Unfortunately, excellence does not breed through osmosis. We believe that one rather, should approach selecting their child’s school with a grain of realism. 

 

Which brings me to the most important question you can ask yourself to launch your search: “What is the best school for my child?”

 

At Wolff Educational Services we conduct needs assessments that breaks this criteria into 3 selection houses. They are the Social, Emotional and Academic Houses of your child’s success and achievement at school. We have broken these houses into realistic criteria based on actual achievement data (the learning skills) and are written in academic language (reflective of curriculum expectations). Once the assessment is completed, it is simply a matter of matching the results (your child's area of strength and need) with the schools that offer programming in these areas. The equation breeds student success and achievement. Its flawless in its design.

 

Parents, education today is comprised of these 3 houses working together in unity and harmony. Students must demonstrate learning in all 3 of these areas in order to be successful. The way the curriculum is taught and learned is not inherent of 20th century practices anymore. 21st century classrooms are much more layered in there design and learning platforms are reflective of differentiated instruction, individualized for your child to demonstrate learning and skills. 

 

Before you begin your school search, know what it is your are looking for. Know what your child's strengths and areas of need are in each area (house) of the learning platforms and how they relate to both the classroom and school. Understand what the classroom does and can do, map the landscape as you would any foreign environment. 

 

And if you feel like you need an education in all things education before you try and map out a route for your child - call us! We can help - however, we will only find the best school for your child….not necessarily what you think is the best school.

 

Until Our Next Lesson……

 

Public School IEP's - Will They be done? Yes! But when...???

Here is what you need to know…

This school year has not started the way teachers or parents had hoped.  The escalating Work to Rule dictates what teachers can and cannot do.  The latest phase says that teachers do NOT have to update the IEP’s by the 30th day of school, as they usually do. Does this mean that teacher’s are ignoring their students’ needs. Absolutely not.  

In a year not affected by a work to rule, parents of students on IEP’s would have already received the Consultation Form, requesting their input. If your child’s teacher has not yet sent this, you should ensure that teachers have the most up to date information as it pertains to your child.  For example, is there a new assessment or report that the teacher should know about? Is there a new medication that the teacher needs to be aware of? Are there any social/emotional issues that might impact your child’s learning?

Until a new IEP is written, the last IEP is still being used.  Be sure that your child’s teacher has a copy of it.  It is not too soon to have a conversation with your child’s teacher to discuss his/her strengths and needs.  The more informed a teacher is, the easier it is for the teacher to provide programming and instruction to match the strengths, needs and learning style of your child.

Don’t wait. It’s not too early to talk about your child. Be an advocate.  Begin the year with open communication in order to provide the teacher with relevant information to be included on the IEP and to drive the instruction in a path that will result in a successful year.

Until our next lesson….