What’s the

for MY Child?

Right School

© ParentPowerChicago, Inc.Cover photo: Feverpitched

Is Your Child’s School Good —and Getting Better?

The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute has developed a measurement tool that is used by school districts throughout the country, including the Chicago Public Schools, to reliably predict and guide schools’ improvement. It’s called The 5Essentials:

What are the strengths of your child’s school? Twenty years of UEI research have demonstrated that schools strong on at least three of the 5Essentials are literally ten times more likely to make substantial improvement in student learning than schools that are weak on three of the 5Essentials. Do you know your child’s school’s strengths? Find out more at: www.uei.uchicago.edu.

© The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute

YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS BEGINS WITH FINDING

THE RIGHT SCHOOL

Ask at the elementary school:1. Does this school meet my basic needs, such as distance

from home, school hours, meal off erings, etc.?

2. What’s the student-teacher ratio and how much individual attention does each child receive?

3. How are behavioral problems handled?

4. What distinguishes your school from others?

5. How much homework is assigned?

6. How do you support children with diff erent needs?

7. What after-school activities/classes are available?

8. What’s the physical environment?

9. How are teachers supported and held to a high standard?

10. What are the school’s expectations for its students?Source: greatschools.org

Ask at the high school:1. What does student work look like?

2. How does the school address social and emotional issues?

3. How balanced is the curriculum?

4. What’s the approach toward grades and discipline?

5. Is the library inviting and well-used?

6. Does the school have internet access?

7. How do parents become involved in the school?

8. How is information communicated to parents?

9. Is there a student government?

10. Do teachers learn from each other?

11. What is the graduation rate--and what percentage of graduates continue to college?

Source: PBSparents

How to Find the Right School 1. Visit the Building2. Ask Pertinent Questions

• You can receive fi nancial aid for your child to attend a private school?

• You have access to charter and special enrollment schools?

• There are many great programs at your child’s current school that you can learn about?

• Your child can attend a public school in a different area of the city?

Children have different learning styles and needs. Every school might not be the best fi t. DID YOU KNOW...

Ask at the elementary school:1. Does this school meet my basic needs, such as distance

from home, school hours, meal off erings, etc.?

2. What’s the student-teacher ratio and how much individual attention does each child receive?

3. How are behavioral problems handled?

4. What distinguishes your school from others?

5. How much homework is assigned?

6. How do you support children with diff erent needs?

7. What after-school activities/classes are available?

8. What’s the physical environment?

9. How are teachers supported and held to a high standard?

10. What are the school’s expectations for its students?Source: greatschools.org

Ask at the high school:1. What does student work look like?

2. How does the school address social and emotional issues?

3. How balanced is the curriculum?

4. What’s the approach toward grades and discipline?

5. Is the library inviting and well-used?

6. Does the school have internet access?

7. How do parents become involved in the school?

8. How is information communicated to parents?

9. Is there a student government?

10. Do teachers learn from each other?

11. What is the graduation rate--and what percentage of graduates continue to college?

Source: PBSparents

How to Find the Right School 1. Visit the Building2. Ask Pertinent Questions

• You can receive fi nancial aid for your child to attend a private school?

• You have access to charter and special enrollment schools?

• There are many great programs at your child’s current school that you can learn about?

• Your child can attend a public school in a different area of the city?

Children have different learning styles and needs. Every school might not be the best fi t. DID YOU KNOW...

What’s the

for MY Child?

Right School

© ParentPowerChicago, Inc.Cover photo: Feverpitched

Is Your Child’s School Good —and Getting Better?

The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute has developed a measurement tool that is used by school districts throughout the country, including the Chicago Public Schools, to reliably predict and guide schools’ improvement. It’s called The 5Essentials:

What are the strengths of your child’s school? Twenty years of UEI research have demonstrated that schools strong on at least three of the 5Essentials are literally ten times more likely to make substantial improvement in student learning than schools that are weak on three of the 5Essentials. Do you know your child’s school’s strengths? Find out more at: www.uei.uchicago.edu.

© The University of Chicago Urban Education Institute

YOUR CHILD’S SUCCESS BEGINS WITH FINDING

THE RIGHT SCHOOL