About Public Schools

Here we cover the history of public schools, explain the various types and discuss their pros/cons. Learn more about technology on campus, health and nutrition issues, and the latest information related to a variety of student populations.

View the most popular articles in About Public Schools:

Your Guide to Understanding the Charter School Debate

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Your Guide to Understanding the Charter School Debate
Changes instigated by the Trump Administration have been met with a great deal of controversy but one of the biggest debates within the education sector is in regard to integration and charter schools. Keep reading to learn more about the charter school debate and what you should know as a parent.

When it comes to schools in the United States, the biggest differences lie in the gap between public and private school. What many people do not realize, however, is that there are many different subcategories for each.

For example, a charter school is an independently run public school that has greater flexibility than a traditional public school. Charter schools still need to meet state standards, but a significant portion of their curriculum and operation is influenced by the school’s “charter” – a performance contract that details the school’s mission, as well as the students served, specific performance goals, and its methods of assessment. As modern reform continues to shake the foundation of the United States education system, a debate about charter schools has risen to the forefront.

In theory, charter schools exist to provide underprivileged students with access to better education. The primary question, however, is whether charter schools inadvertently support segregation. Keep reading to learn more about charter schools and how they are changing the face of the U.S. education system.

Understanding the Basics Of Charter Schools

According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS), there are roughly 6,900 charter schools in the United States. Though they are technically public schools and therefore open to a wide range of students tuition-free, charter schools work differently than traditional public schools. A charter school operates under an independent contract (known as a “charter”) in front of an authority such as a government agency,

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What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?

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What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
Choosing the right school for your child can be difficult, but homeschooling may not be the better option. Keep reading to learn more.

When it comes to your child’s education, you want to know that you are making the right choice. But each child is unique when it comes to learning, and the option that might be right for another child might not be the best choice for yours. Many parents who are concerned about the quality of their child’s education make the choice to homeschool their kids. If you are thinking about homeschooling as an option, take the time to learn about the benefits of public school over homeschooling – they might just change your mind and your attitude about public school.

This video discusses the pros and cons of homeschooling vs schooling in public school.

What is Homeschooling?

In the simplest of terms, homeschooling is simply schooling your children at home. Homeschooling has become quite the progressive movement in recent years with more and more parents choosing to homeschool instead of sending their children to public school. There are a number of reasons why a parent might choose to homeschool their child – here are a few:

  • The family might have different religious beliefs than those taught (or not taught) in public school. Homeschooling allows you to choose whether to incorporate religion or not.
  • Homeschooling might offer more specialized educational attention for special needs children.
  • Parents may have different educational philosophies than public school administrators and teachers. With homeschooling, you choose what philosophies to follow.
  • Children may progress faster
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Should Your Child Go to College Right After High School?

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Should Your Child Go to College Right After High School?
For some students, attending college immediately after high school is not the right choice. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of this decision and to learn about some alternative options.

For many high school seniors, going to college after graduation is a given. But going to college immediately after high school is not the right choice for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about the pros and cons of attending college right after high school and to learn about some alternative options that may be available to you.

Reasons to Go to College After High School

While transitioning to college immediately after high school may not be the right choice for everyone, there indeed are some significant benefits you need to consider. Here are some things you should think about when deciding whether to take a year off before college:

  • Some studies have shown that many students who wait instead of going to college immediately after high school never go. If you take a job right after high school, you may put it off year after year, which could hurt you in the long run.
  • According to a Huffington Post report, those who choose not to go to college make as much as $800,000 less than college graduates over their lifetime. Even if you only take a year off, you could be cutting into your lifetime salary.
  • If you do not go to college right after high school, you could miss out on some life-changing experiences that can shape who you are and what you believe in. The habits and opinions you form as a young adult will stay with you for the rest of your life – you could
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Do Low-Income Boys Struggle More than Low-Income Girls in School?

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Do Low-Income Boys Struggle More than Low-Income Girls in School?
How does socioeconomic status affect students and are boys more sensitive to disadvantage than girls?

If you live in the United States you cannot help but be aware of the gender gap. In the professional world, men are paid more than women and women often do not receive the same opportunities as their male counterparts. But how does the gender gap manifest in schools, especially public schools?

The sad truth of the matter is that low-income students often do not receive the same quality of instruction or educational opportunities as upper-class students, but even within the lower-income class there are disparities between boys and girls. There is a great deal of evidence to suggest that low-income boys are more disadvantaged than low-income girls and they may have a harder time breaking out of the broken public school system to make a better life for themselves.

Public School Statistics in the United States

According to the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), low-income students have become the majority in children attending public schools. A survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) showed that 51% of the students in the U.S. public school system came from low-income families in 2013. In some states, the percentage is even higher. For example, in Mississippi the number of low-income children in public schools is 71% - that is nearly three out of four students.

Not only are these statistics troubling in terms of educational disparity, but the SEF comments that “No longer can we consider the problems and needs of low-income students simply a matter of fairness…

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Measles in School: A Parent’s Guide

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Measles in School: A Parent’s Guide
Measles, the once eradicated disease, has made a comeback in the U.S. in recent months, and a recent study estimates only 50% of people are immunized. The outbreak has raised questions about immunizations and the safety of children in public schools. Learn how to keep your children healthy and reduce their measles risk.

Just three months after the first measles outbreak from Disneyland, researchers have confirmed that the low rates of vaccination are the culprit for measles spreading from California throughout the country, as just published in the JAMA Pediatric Journal.

"Disneyland is an international attraction and sometimes people are coming from places where measles vaccination rates are low or they don't get the recommended two doses, and that, combined with the fact that there are a lot of pockets of non-vaccination in California and people coming from all over the U.S. created the perfect storm for a big outbreak," lead author Maimuna Majumder of Boston Children's Hospital and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology told Reuters Health.

In late December 2014, the first signs that a measles outbreak was about to occur began to present themselves. People came into emergency rooms and doctor’s offices with high fevers, runny noses, coughing, and red, watery eyes. In addition to the ones originating in Disneyland, there were other unrelated outbreaks in Nevada, Illinois, and Washington. California has by far the most cases, numbering 142 in early March. Still, measles reports exist in 17 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This video explains how the measles vaccine works.

What makes this measles outbreak particularly disturbing – aside from the fact that the disease was declared eliminated in 2000 –

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Recent Articles

Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
Pros and Cons of Public School Exit Exams
From ensuring academic standards to assessing student readiness for college and career, readers will gain insights into the potential benefits of these exams. However, the article also delves into concerns such as increased stress on students, potential biases in testing, and the limitations of standardized assessments in capturing the full spectrum of student abilities. With a balanced perspective and expert analysis, this resource offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding public school exit exams, empowering them to engage in informed discussions and decision-making regarding education policy and practice.
All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
All-Girl Public High Schools: Improving Confidence and College Success
Discover how all-girl public high schools are making waves in education, fostering confidence and enhancing college success among young women. This article explores the unique benefits of single-gender education, from creating a supportive environment free from gender stereotypes to offering tailored academic programs that empower girls to excel. Learn how these schools cultivate leadership skills, academic achievement, and a strong sense of community, setting students on a path to thrive in college and beyond. With insights from educators and success stories from graduates, uncover the transformative impact of all-girl public high schools on female empowerment and educational attainment.
Teaching in Contemporary Times
Teaching in Contemporary Times
We explore why individuals choose teaching, illuminating intrinsic motivations, the influence of role models, the pursuit of lifelong learning, and the aspiration to impact society.

About Public Schools

Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
Cell Phones in Class? Many Schools are Saying Yes
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
The Pros and Cons of Mandatory Gym Class in Public Schools
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
What are the Benefits of Public School Over Homeschooling?
OVERVIEW OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A comprehensive look at the U.S. public school system, including history, governing bodies, funding, and services. Compare private, public and charter schools. Learn more about Magnet school programs and get tips on choosing the right school for your child.
Public Schools in a Minute
Public Schools in a Minute
An Overview of Public School Services
An Overview of Public School Services
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
2011 Classroom Size Update: Are Classes Still Growing Larger?
TYPES OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Explore the different types of public schools, from charter to language immersion, and learn about the unique pros and cons of each type. Is a co-ed or single sex classroom best for your child? Charter school or magnet? Read expert advice and get valuable tips on the various public education programs available and how to choose what works best for your family.
What Are Alternative Schools and How Do They Impact College Admissions?
What Are Alternative Schools and How Do They Impact College Admissions?
What Is A Magnet School?
What Is A Magnet School?
Public School vs. Homeschooling
Public School vs. Homeschooling
TECHNOLOGY ON CAMPUS
From eBooks to web cams, technology on campus continues to grow. Learn how the latest technology impacts your child’s education. Get tips on the best ways to integrate technology into education and stay abreast of the latest developments and challenges facing schools.
Should Public Schools Ban Cell Phones?
Should Public Schools Ban Cell Phones?
How Your Child Can Benefit from New Public School Laptop Programs
How Your Child Can Benefit from New Public School Laptop Programs
Internet Access at School: What is Appropriate?
Internet Access at School: What is Appropriate?
HEALTH AND NUTRITION AT SCHOOL
From vending machines to Jamie Oliver, bed bugs to tuberculosis, we provide an in-depth look at health and wellness in public schools. Help your kids stay healthy on campus and learn about current health epidemics, vaccination requirements, physical fitness programs and the latest food initiatives.
Why Fast Food is “Healthier” Than School Lunches: The Shocking USDA Truth
Why Fast Food is “Healthier” Than School Lunches: The Shocking USDA Truth
How Diet and Nutrition Impact a Child's Learning Ability
How Diet and Nutrition Impact a Child's Learning Ability
Physical Education Reform in Public Schools
Physical Education Reform in Public Schools
BACK TO SCHOOL
Learn more about preparing your child and wallet for a new school year. Inside you’ll find valuable advice to help your family prepare for the transition from swimsuits to school. While there is no tuition, public school education does not come without costs. Learn more about budgeting for a new school year and get great money saving tips.
Parents Spending More to Send Kids Back to School
Parents Spending More to Send Kids Back to School
10 Ways to Help Your Student Start the School Year on the Right Foot
10 Ways to Help Your Student Start the School Year on the Right Foot
How Has the Pandemic Changed Public School?
How Has the Pandemic Changed Public School?