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Should You Change the Way Your Child is Educated Next Year?

Why Parents May Consider This and What Options Are Available

Lyn Lomasi
Education is always changing. That is the beauty of it. There are always new ways to expand upon a child's knowledge and that is a good thing. However, there are also negative changes when it comes to education. Do the good changes outweigh the bad or vice versa? If it is the latter, are there alternative educational options? This is merely a fraction of what today's parents have on their minds when it comes to school and education choices for their children.

With one school year ending, a summer of preparation ahead, and the new school year just around the corner, parents everywhere will be doing their research and deciding what is best for their children when it comes to the many schooling options. Children are always going to need an education. Therefore, this is a topic that will remain at the forefront of most parent's minds for some time to come.

We all want what's best for our kids and exactly what that is will be different, depending on the child. That's because all children learn differently and each family has its own ideals. That said, many parents would still like to hear information from experts and even other parents, regarding different educational options and methods. The desire for this information grows as things continue to change in the educational system.

The most popular educational option is to send children to public school. Some of the more positive things happening in public school are things like healthier cafeteria menus, innovative physical fitness programs, and more hands-on learning. Public school is generally designed around a standard curriculum for each grade level, which can work out well for some children. In a system like this, however, children who are gifted or who are slow learners may get left out. That isn't always the case, but it is something to consider.

Another popular school choice is through private school. Much like public school, private school is often designed around a set curriculum. However, a private school may have a more flexible plan or cater to specific needs or learning styles a child may need to be accommodated for. For this reason, private school is desirable to parents of children with specific needs. Some private schools also have a reputation for stellar educational methods and plans.

Yet another option that exists is homeschooling. Many parents are drawn to homeschooling for the vast array of possibilities when it comes to educating the children. A homeschool curriculum can be designed to suit a child's specific needs or can even be a standardized program. This flexibility can be beneficial to many children.

No matter the option chosen, keep in mind that when put in the right learning environment, most children will thrive educationally, physically, as well as emotionally. Keep those goals in mind when deciding whether to stick to your child's current plan or whether switching to a new one will be more beneficial. There is no one method that is right for every child.

Published by Lyn Lomasi - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Lyn's the Community Advocate at Yahoo! Contributor Network. Contact her with community issues & ideas. She's been contributing since 2007 and previously acted as a Community Guide. Read her tips for success...   View profile

60 Comments

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  • Tyler Mills 7/29/2008

    You are right on about education as usual.

  • Donald Pennington 6/17/2008

    I hope a lot more people begin reading you.

  • Cheryl Loux 6/14/2008

    Cool article.

  • Angela La Fon 6/6/2008

    Great job here Momie!

  • Momie Tullottes 6/6/2008

    Thanks a bunch everyone. I love hearing everyone's thoughts on this. JulieAnn, your middle sounds like my middle. She would not conform to public school either, but is very smart and homeschool solved it for us. Since the summer is here, I suggest trying it for the summer on a trial basis. That's what I usually suggest for those who are unsure if it will work or not. Just do a small amount of what would normally be done in a regular school day and see how it goes. That way if you see it isn't right, you haven't lost any education time and she may have at least learned some new things. :-) I totally agree Michael M. Well said - short, but on point. I also agree with the rest of you. :-)

  • JulieAnn 6/5/2008

    Hi Momie, I agree that every child learns differently. I have the youngest who barely cracks a book and gets A's. The oldest studies until she falls asleep sometimes, and only earns C's. The middle one (and smartest) refuses to conform to regular school curriculum and has to go to summer school. It has been suggested that I home school her. I am seriously thinking about that alternative.

  • Michael K. Miller 6/5/2008

    MT: The key element in any educational configuration is you, the parent. M

  • saul relative 6/5/2008

    Education systems must change to accommodate the changing social structures and incorporate new styles and methods of learning that have been discovered. We must work in the best interests of our children, not in what's best for the parents or the school systems or the government.

  • Scribepal 6/5/2008

    Lots of good information to think about. I've got a toddler now so won't have to think about school for a few more years, but I know the decision time will come soon enough.

  • Carol Bengle Gilbert 6/5/2008

    Important to think it through and not just plod along....

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