5 Things Every School Should Have
It is important that we place a high value on education. As we move forward into a new decade, we need to have an emphasis on ensuring that our schools are high quality institutions. Not only am I a teacher I am also a parent. As a parent I do my best to keep an eye on the schools that my children attend. As a teacher I have inside experience in the education field that helps me know what to look for to identify the best schools.
The first thing that you have to realize is that not all schools are exactly the same (believe me, I’ve seen some bad ones) and that is the reason that I do my best to help parents to recognize the good schools over the bad ones. Here are a few important things that well managed schools should have. These are all examples of good educational practices that forward thinking teachers and administrators put in place.
To be realistic, not all schools are going to have the formula down perfectly. One major problem is that the funding isn’t always there for everything that schools want to do. The best way for you to really know the quality of your school is to actually go get involved in activities like the PTA that let you meet the faculty and take in the school environment from the inside. However all of these are good signs that your school is on the right track as far as providing the best educational environment possible for students.
Requirement for Computer Learning - Computer courses should be a standard for all schools. Even now, any job out there will require that workers have a degree of computer proficiency and in the future it will be even more important. Kids are just going to need that natural ability to interact with computers starting very early on. That is why any winning school system has students performing computer related tasks starting in 3rd or 4th grade at the very latest.
2. Physical Education is a Daily Program - There are so many verified links between increased physical activity and student health. However there have also been plenty of studies showing that increased physical activity raises scores on standardized tests too. That is because the physical benefits of physical activity result in mental benefits for the children. A study in France found that when a portion of time during the day that was normally used for class was replaced with a quick physical activity, it actually improved academic performance. Unfortunately when budgets sag, physical education is oftentimes one of the first things to go.
Fresh Healthy Vending Machines - There has been a lot of media coverage lately about junk food in school vending machines. There is no excuse for school administration allowing junk food in our schools. Schools can get healthy vending machines placed completely free of charge too. Fresh Healthy Vending is a good example of this. Fresh Vending Machines only stock products that are verified organic and natural and are good for kids. If your school doesn’t take time to do the little things like this it’s a bad sign.
The School Has an Active Arts Program - Although arts programs have traditionally been among the first to suffer under budget cuts, the truth is that the best educators know that the arts are valuable to rounding out a child’s education. Schools that have strong arts programs that include after-school activities typically have better test scores and better all around academic performance. Kids involved in arts programs and after school programs are also less likely to do drugs and are at a reduced risk for teen pregnancy.
The Campus is Secure - This is another thing that should be a standard for American schools. These days it is so important for schools to keep our children safe. Entrances and exits to the building shout be properly secured and all walk on visitors should be immediately directed to the school’s office. This keeps students protected from dangers outside the school so that they can focus on learning.
To find out more about promoting organic foods in schools, gymnasiums and offices get a no cost fresh vending brochure or read more about fresh vending machines. Unique version for reprint here: 5 Things Every School Should Have.
