Advocate for your child Archives

9 questions to help you learn more on a high school tour

Asking a teacher, student, or parent the right questions on a high school tour can help you better understand a prospective school.

What to consider before choosing a high school

Are you trying to find the right high school for your child, but don’t know where to start? This checklist can help you jump-start the process.

When does your child thrive?

This questionnaire was created to help you stop and reflect on what your child needs to be excited about what they're learning.

The inclusive school

Many educators are broadening the definition of "inclusive" so all students have equitable access to every aspect that school life has to offer.

The value of senior capstone projects

These individualized projects can keep seniors engaged in high school while they work on a future-focused area of interest.

What parents should know about equitable grading in high school

What is equitable grading?

How some educators are changing how they grade and helping learning in the process.

Giving students voice and choice

Why great high schools are designed to put students in charge of their learning.

When schools spank

Corporal punishment in public schools is more common than you might guess. But experts agree this punitive tactic doesn't work and has lasting, harmful consequences.

Why student-centered education should be the norm

Want a high school where every kid finds their unique learning path? Allow students a way to exercise their voice and choice.

The power of positive school culture

How everyone treats each other at a high school has a huge impact on learning. This is what to look out for.

How to make better teachers

Teachers are the most powerful factor in your child’s education: that’s why ongoing teacher development should be a cornerstone of every high school.

Making sure every student gets a chance

Supporting at-risk students creates a more effective school for all

Research shows that high schools that successfully support at-risk students are more effective for all their students.

Why college counseling matters

Early and ongoing access to college counseling has been shown to influence whether students apply to college and which colleges they choose.

The value of student-staff connections

Positive, meaningful relationships between high school students and their teachers and principals are more than just nice to have; they're the foundation for a great high school.

Advanced academics for everyone

Why all students should take advanced classes

The best high schools don’t just provide rigorous courses for motivated students, they encourage every student to explore advanced classes.

The importance of real-life learning and career pathways

Whether it’s career and technical training or outside internships, hands-on learning in high school gives kids purpose and makes school relevant.

Reinforcing your child’s IEP goals over the summer

Consider ways to make sure your child works on her IEP goals over the summer — through the school, a summer program, or your efforts at home. Here are some guidelines.

School discipline: The rights of students with IEPs and 504 plans

Learn your child's rights when it comes to school discipline.

Education rebel with a cause

Until recently, local school boards were run mostly by political players. This Oakland dad represents a new breed of parents who are taking power into their own hands.

15 rights parents have in public schools

From making sure your child is safe to defending her freedom of speech, here is what you are allowed, without exception.