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……

 

Creating a short list

Published in The Toronto Star

  • ETHAN ROTBERG SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Finding the private school that’s the best fit for you and your child is no easy task. With so many options to choose, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed — particularly if step one is determining the best learning environment.

“We define learning in three ways; academically, socially and emotionally,” says Karen Wolff, educational consultant at Wolff Educational Services.

“And we strongly believe that 21st-century classrooms and learning environments are centred and built around those three silos equally.”

That means it can take a bit of research to find an environment that will allow your child to thrive.

Here are a few tips for creating a private school short list:

Understanding your child

“We firmly believe in seeing your child not only as your child but as a learner,” Wolff said.

“And it’s a really hard thing for a parent to sort of navigate this because you don’t see them in the classroom for eight hours a day.”

She recommends getting your kids on board, so they can contribute to the process.

“You really need to see your child as an academic learner and understand their strengths and areas of needs as a social being — then you can really hone in on the type of environment that they would thrive in,” she said

Make a list

Once you have a picture of who your child is as a learner, you can determine which environments will cater to their strengths.

If one of their areas of strengths is math, then you could look at a school that has enriched math, Wolff added. You might also consider schools with small class sizes, specific religious values, single sex or co-ed, extracurricular options or even educational tools.

Visiting the schools is crucial, Wolff said.

“Once parents lay eyes on an environment that they maybe hadn’t seen online or heard their friends talk about and can picture their child there, it’s a game changer,” she said.

“It also gives you a chance to ask questions about your child,” she added.

“Every child is different. Every family has different questions. And so, when you’re visiting and having a tour, you have a chance to do that.”