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……

 

Progress Reports

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Does it tell you what you really want to know?

Ontario Progress Reports are sent home in November with the sole purpose of telling parents how their child is progressing toward the achievement of the curriculum expectations.  It uses a rating scale of: Progressing Very Well, Progressing Well and Progressing With Difficulty. It also comments on your child’s learning skills and work habits. It does not communicate if your child has met the expectations, because it does not give grades or marks. It is a report on a student progress – not achievement.  

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The laid back pace that summer vacation brings offers many benefits to parents and children alike. Summer can be a time of reflection on the year past and renewal for the year ahead. It's a pause in the grind that we all get swallowed up in from September to June.  Labour day weekend brings BBQ's, last minute getaway's and for some anxiety and panic about having to shift gears back into being perpetually busy. Here are some helpful tips on how to ease into that busy gear and start some educational habits at home that will help find a balance between Hazy August and Crazy September.

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It’s June.  Teachers are busily completing the final Report Card for the year; inputting their grades/marks and writing comments.  But, what does that grade/mark mean? What is it based upon and how accurate is it?  In 2010 the  Ministry of Education produced a document, Growing Success, which is the “bible” for assessment and evaluation in Ontario.  It is available on the Ministry of Education website: www.ed.gov.on.ca

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Our First Venture

We are: one family (the Wolff's), two teachers and we wear five hats: mothers; mother in law; daughter in law; bubbie; teachers. 

We, Karen and Ann, (MIL/DIL) don't just love each other because we're family, but we like and respect each other. We often sit over coffee (and if she's lucky, warm, homemade chocolate chip cookies), discussing topics we are both passionate about: children, education and of course, family. Our talks are open and honest, and we often have differing views.  but, what we have in common is our passion for figuring out what makes our students "tick" and that we were both looking for our, "what's next?" 

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