NHEG EDGuide December 2016

We’re Looking (Are you

We’re Looking (Are you the perfect candidate?) We are considering bringing an assessor(s) to work within our organization to provide online assessments through our website. Each year families could visit our site and set up an assessment time to have these completed virtually or meet in person, depending on the assessor. We would create an online profile for each assessor and share posters and flyers with the public. NHEG would receive 20% of each referral. If you are interested in partnering with the New Heights Educational Group, please share a resume, three references, an email addresses, and proof that you are a licensed/ certified teacher holding a valid Ohio teaching certificate (excluding the non-tax certificate issued under Ohio Revised Code 3301.071). A brief biography with a picture would also be appreciated. We will choose from the list of responses. 28

The school visit: what to look for, what to ask There's no substitute for visiting the schools on your list, so you can get a sense of the school environment and get your questions answered. By GreatSchools Staff Be sure to visit all the schools on your list, if you can. A visit is the best way to determine whether a school is right for your child. Even a short visit will help you identify a school’s strengths and challenges. It’s also the only way to get a feel for a school’s climate — intangible but important factors like the dynamism of the teaching, engagement of the students, quality of communication and respect between students, teachers, administrators, and parents, and the overall sense that the school offers a safe and inspiring learning environment. School visit checklists Get a printable guide to help you plan your elementary, middle, or high school visit. Before your visit Do your homework. Read about the schools you’ll be visiting. Examine their school profiles on GreatSchools.org. Talk to other parents and check your local newspaper for articles about the schools. Contact the school. Most schools conduct regular school tours and open houses during the enrollment season — typically in the fall. Call the school or go online to schedule a visit. Ask and observe. Jot down your questions before your visit (the sample questions below will help you create your list). Key questions to ask Does this school have a particular educational philosophy or mission? Is the school implementing the Common Core State Standards, and if so, what is the procedure and timeline for teacher training and implementation? What is the average class size? What is this school’s approach to student discipline and safety? How much homework do students have? What is the school’s philosophy/approach to homework? What kind of library resources are available to students? How is technology used to support teaching and learning at this school? How do the arts fit into the curriculum? Is there a school choir, band or orchestra? A drama program? Art classes? What extracurricular opportunities (sports, clubs, community service, competitions) are available for students? How do students get to school? Is free school busing available? Is bullying a problem at the school? Does the school have an anti-bullying policy? Does the school have a program for gifted students? How does this school support students who have academic, social or emotional difficulties? What strategies are used to teach students who are not fluent in English? What professional development opportunities do teachers have? In what ways do teachers collaborate? Does the school offer Physical Education (PE) classes? What are some of the school’s greatest accomplishments? What are some of the biggest challenges this school faces? (Continued next page) 29