How Do You Pick a School for Your Children?
by Joe Nathan, Pioneer Press Columnist

A lot of parents are calling or sending e-mails asking that question after attending school fairs that outline the choices.

John Merrow, an award-winning former educator and now a PBS journalist, has some unusual, excellent suggestions in his recently published book, "Choosing Excellence." His ideas will also help educators, families and school board members assess a school's strengths and weaknesses.

Merrow opens with a great idea: Spend a few afternoons at the teachers' parking lot at the end of the day. His experience is that "if most teachers can't wait to get away from school, then you should have reservations about having your child go there."

He urges families to check out how the school honors academic excellence. And he suggests comparing that with how much recognition outstanding athletes receive. He isn't anti-sports, he just wants excellent work of all kinds to be recognized.

Merrow urges that families go beyond asking if the school has a PTA, or some form of parent organization. He suggests finding out if the parent organization addresses "real issues in the school, such as (perhaps) cheating, student motivation, or an achievement gap."

Merrow thinks it's important to ask students if discipline policies are clear, and fairly enforced. What happens when someone tries to be a bully? Is it OK to be smart in the school?

If the school offers advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses, Merrow wants to know if these courses are open to anyone who wants to challenge her/himself, or only to a select few. (His bias is that the courses ought to be open to anyone who wants to try. I agree.)

Merrow thinks it's OK to ask about test scores, although he believes that no single measure, including a score, tells you everything you need to know. Attendance is important, for students and faculty. So Merrow suggests asking the principal about both. The same is true for mobility. It's important to know what percentage of students and faculty leave each year.

Merrow urges folks to check out schools Ü be they magnet, charter, or neighborhood.