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Parents
Advancing Choice in Education (PACE)
Parents Network
Parents
are a light in their community!
What is Parents Network?
Parents
Advancing Choice in Education, Inc. - PACE is a nonprofit, privately
funded program administered by a small staff and a volunteer board.
The
Parents Network (PN) was launched at the PACE School Expo on March 4,
2001. Its mission is to provide parents with information regarding all
school options and assist them in knowing they are the “primary
educator” of their children. Simply explained, the Parents Network is:
Parents helping parents get answers about education!
General Idea:
Establish a group comprised of parents of diverse backgrounds, including
parents of PACE students from a representative number of participating
schools to meet on a regular basis during the school year and
thereafter. Some of the core objectives of the PN group are as follows
(just to name a few):
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Knowing the importance of School Choice (public,
private, charter, etc)
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Knowing how your child comprehends learning
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Knowing the local alternatives dealing with education
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Knowing the power
of being a registered voter and actively using that power
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Knowing how to
effectively work with the media and/or politicians
Questions:
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How would
families join this important group?
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What would be the incentive for
families to attend and/or participate?
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Should School
administrators/teachers be invited to attend the meetings?
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What can the
PACE Program learn from this group of Parents?
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What can the PACE Program
share with this group of parents?
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How would the families benefit from
this group?
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How can they learn from each other?
Parents Get the
Knowledge, Parents Share the Knowledge!
Parents shared with PACE they
wanted to understand the options available to them and know the
appropriate questions/responses to ask teachers and/or administrators at
their child’s school. The following are some of the frequently asked
questions:
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What do test scores mean? Proficiency Test Scores are mandated by the
State and indicate if the school is meeting the requirements. These
standards have been documented since 1998. Achievement Test scores
allows you to see pre and post progress of a child during that
particular school year. Most charter and private schools administer
these types of tests (at the beginning and ending of the school year).
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How much does private school cost? It varies, the average cost for
private elementary schools is $2900 annually – families demonstrating
financial need may pay $500 to $3000 of that cost either per child or
per family.
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How much homework is necessary? Find out at the beginning
of the year how much homework the educator requires – this could vary
from teacher to teacher. Basic or average time required on homework is 1
to 2 hours – preferably at home. Monitor your child’s homework assignment(s) and if you have questions regarding them having too much
or too little seek answers.
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What can I expect from the Teacher?
Prompt responses to phone calls and clear answers to questions! What is
expected is actually what you offer in return…RESPECT. Parents and
Educators are team players, not always agreeing but focusing on the
“best” for the child. Form a partnership and be respectful of their
position as a professional. You take responsibility as the Primary
Educator… education begins at home.
Parents are the strength of their
community!
Resources:
Ohio Dept. of Education
–
www.ode.state.oh.us
PAVE – Partners Advancing Values in Education,
1434 West State St., Milwaukee WI 53233
The Institute for the
Transformation of Learning – Marquette University Go to
www.schoolchoiceinfo.org
to learn about: The
Institute for the Transformation of Learning
Ohio Black Alliance for Educational Options
www.baeo.org |
