Evaluating Public Schools

This section provides tools to aid in finding the best public school option for your child. Compare private and public schools, explore school zoning issues, and delve into the public school grading and ranking system. Find information on the safest schools and what they are doing right.

View the most popular articles in Evaluating Public Schools:

Protecting Public School Students from “Sexting”

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Protecting Public School Students from “Sexting”
Sexting can result in dangerous consequences, including instances of suicide. Learn about what public schools and parents can do to keep students safe from the ramifications of sexting.

Several years ago, the word “sexting” was not part of American vernacular. Unfortunately, in the past year, the word has become a part of our society, permeating news articles as a description of a disturbing trend: teenagers sending sexually explicit photos of themselves and other teens using their cell phones.

The Unfortunate Consequences of Sexting

The trend became the focus of increased attention after a high school student’s suicide in July 2008 was attributed to sexting. Jessica Logan, a senior at an Ohio high school, had sent nude photos of herself to a boyfriend.

After the relationship ended, her ex-boyfriend sent the photos to other female students at Logan’s school, which resulted in months of harassment and teasing for Logan. Logan reported, according to MSNBC, that the other girls called her a "slut" and a "whore," and that the teasing was so disruptive that she began to skip school. Logan hung herself one month after her high school graduation.

Logan’s parents recently filed suit against the high school and several other defendants, alleging that the school and the local police did not do enough to protect their daughter from being bullied and harassed, reports the Cincinnati Enquirer.

According to a recent study commissioned by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and CosmoGirl.com, “20 percent of teenagers have taken nude or semi-nude pictures or videos of themselves and sent them to someone or posted them online,” reports the New York Times blog

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Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?

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Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
As violence grows on campus, more and more public school students face legal prosecution for their misbehavior. Learn about the growing trend of legal consequences for on-campus fights and disobedience.

The consequences for school fights may no longer be limited to a visit to the principal’s office and detention. In light of the last decade’s rise in school violence, many students find themselves facing legal consequences for their misbehavior on campus.

In years past, school fights and bullying would only result in school-based punishments, such as suspension or detention. Today, however, a rising number of middle school and high school teens are actually being arrested for their in-school malfeasances.

School Fights: The Rising Threat

Public schools across the country are reporting more severe punishments for school fights and student misbehavior. For example, WRAL News of Wake County, North Carolina, reported that three students were arrested after several fights erupted at the local Knightdale High School. According to reports, the police were called to the school after multiple fights broke out among students.

Allegedly, one 16-year-old student and another 17-year-old student were engaged in crimes such as “disorderly conduct” and “simple affray,” resulting in the two students’ arrests. In addition, an older 18-year-old student was also arrested, as this particular student allegedly tried to join in the fight, and reports also suggest that the 18-year-old student “Took a swing at an officer who was trying to detain him.”

While students 18 years of age and older are understandably tried as adults, many community members question whether the 16 and 17-year-old students should have

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Should My Child Enroll in Honors Or General Courses?

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Should My Child Enroll in Honors Or General Courses?
Honors or general courses? Find out which type is best for your child's learning environment and GPA.

When it comes to picking classes for the next school year, parents often fret over whether their kids should dive into honors courses. These classes offer more challenges, but do they mean sacrificing top grades? It's a dilemma: better marks or tougher academics? With honors courses demanding extra effort, it's a tough call. So, here are some insights from school and college pros that can help students navigate this critical decision.

Honors vs. General: What's the Big Difference?

While each state and school community has its own curriculum standards, most honors and general courses adhere to similar philosophical practices. For example, Wake County Public Schools, one of the largest school systems in North Carolina, divides its high school courses into "honors" and "academic" (average) tracks. In examining the differences in Wake County Schools' 9th grade English course options, parents and students can clearly examine the similarities and differences between the honors and academic options.

  • Honors 9th Grade English: Students in both honors and academics must read specific texts from a county-wide reading list. An honors course, however, will generally read more texts than an academic course, as the honors course is conducted at a much faster pace. To work more rapidly through diverse materials, honors students will undoubtedly be assigned more homework than an academic class. Additionally, if a student in an honors course falls behind or is struggling, the student must typically seek out tutoring assistance during his or her own time (during
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What You Need to Know about Emergency Response Procedures in Public Schools

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What You Need to Know about Emergency Response Procedures in Public Schools
Learn about how public schools are protecting students against emergencies, and what parents need to know about keeping their children safe in public schools.

In the wake of nearly 10 years of increased school violence, all public schools are legally required to possess specific lockdown and emergency response procedures. Specifically, middle schools and high schools, which experience greater safety breaches due to their age groups, should frequently practice their emergency response protocols to ensure that all students and staff are ready to respond in the rare case of a serious emergency or threat. An awareness of the public school’s emergency protocols can help protect all community members—especially the students.

This video outlines how to set up a protocol for handling a crisis situation.

Types of Emergency Response

Public schools have different “threat levels” that result in specific emergency responses. For example, Montgomery Public Schools in Rockville, Maryland employ two specific threat level procedures. The first type of threat is labeled as “code blue.” A “code blue” threat signifies that there is an emergency or serious crisis near the school. In the case of a “code blue,” all Montgomery administrators announce appropriate information to the whole school, resulting in immediate teacher response.

Teachers in a “code blue” situation are to ensure that no students in the building are unsupervised. Classroom instruction continues, however, students are not permitted to leave the building unsupervised. While a “code blue” can potentially turn into a serious situation, this type of threat is generally not a

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Year-Round Or Traditional Schedule?

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Year-Round Or Traditional Schedule?
Which is more appropriate for your child? A year-round attendance schedule or traditional schedule? We look at the pros and cons.

For a variety of reasons, schools across the country are switching their schedules to a year-round curriculum, which means that both students and teachers no longer have the traditional two months of summer vacation. While some parents have enjoyed the year-round schedule, others are engaged in a heated debate about the new trend. Some schools are implementing the year-round program to maintain more consistent instruction, while other schools are switching in order to save money. While many parents are concerned about the potential change for their children and family, each schedule offers its own pros and cons.

This video from PBS examines the pros and cons of year-round schools.

The Year-Round Calendar

When using the term “traditional calendar,” most schools are referring to the most popular schedule, where students and teachers are able to have an extended summer vacation, in addition to the standard holiday breaks throughout the school year. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 86 percent of public schools in the United States operate on a traditional calendar, even though it’s the original purpose – so that children could help parents harvest crops – is no longer an important consideration. Since the traditional summer vacation is no longer “essential,” some experts maintain that continuing to use the traditional calendar is not what’s best for today’s children. As schools are now experimenting with the year-round schedules, many schools are getting

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Recent Articles

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Stay up to date on the current requirements for vaccinations for school-age children today, as well as some of the problems schools face when parents do not properly immunize their kids.
Is Your Child Eligible for Free School Meals?
Is Your Child Eligible for Free School Meals?
Learn about the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or low-cost meals to students, and see if your child can qualify for the program.
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.

Evaluating Public Schools

Year-Round Or Traditional Schedule?
Year-Round Or Traditional Schedule?
Tips for Transferring Your Student from Private to Public School
Tips for Transferring Your Student from Private to Public School
Pros And Cons Of Public VS Private Elementary Schools
Pros And Cons Of Public VS Private Elementary Schools
SCHOOL ZONING
Learn more about zoning rules, how they impact schools and your child. This section offers information on the history of school zones, what they are, and how they work. Get information on who decides school boundaries and the impact those decisions have on the community.
Why You Need to Research School Districts When Buying a Home
Why You Need to Research School Districts When Buying a Home
GETTING STARTED
An overview of school designations, best practices for evaluating your options, and tips on choosing the best school for your child. Learn about Blue Ribbon, Vocational and Special Education schools. Get tips on finding the right school in a new neighborhood, city or state.
10 Advantages to Public Education
10 Advantages to Public Education
Should My Child Enroll in Honors Or General Courses?
Should My Child Enroll in Honors Or General Courses?
Changing Schools And Moving To A New Area
Changing Schools And Moving To A New Area
PUBLIC SCHOOL SAFETY
A comprehensive look at the safety of US public schools. Learn what schools are doing to combat gangs and drugs, prepare for natural disasters, and protect your children from predators. From web cameras to armed guards, see what tools public schools are employing to keep kids safe.
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
Political Attire in Public School: Protected by the Constitution?
Political Attire in Public School: Protected by the Constitution?
Arming Public School Teachers with Guns: The Controversial Legislation
Arming Public School Teachers with Guns: The Controversial Legislation
PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE SCHOOLS
A comparison of public and private schools, the pros and cons of each, and a look at the cost of getting a stellar education at both. Take a look at some of the most expensive schools, notable public school alumni, and learn more about “private” public schools.
New Study Confirms That Private Schools Are No Better Than Public Schools
New Study Confirms That Private Schools Are No Better Than Public Schools
Public School vs. Private School
Public School vs. Private School
A Quick Guide to U.S. Public and Private School Options
A Quick Guide to U.S. Public and Private School Options