We've all been there at one time or another. You're walking down the hall of a perspective school with someone you don't know. What should you be asking when doing this?  Today on the Top 5 at 7:45, I'll highlight some crucial questions that you may want to think about asking when seeking a perspective school for your student. What exactly is it that we should be looking for?

  1. Common Core - Are the teachers transitioning to Common Core ok? Regardless of what our opinion is, Common Core is here and it is important that the teachers are doing alright in the transition in order to understand and teach this to your children.
  2. Tenure - The average tenure in Wyoming is about 3 years. How is the turnover rate in the school that you potentially may have your child attend?
  3. Discussion - Are teachers getting together in workshops to discuss ideas and ways that have worked for one another. This is a great way to share ideas and bring about more inspiration to the classroom. This has historically worked in Wyoming.
  4. Vision & Direction - Be attentive to how the principle promotes or demotes the teachers she is in charge of. Is the principle talking them up or putting them down? I know of a principle in Cheyenne who is a leader and the teachers love her. Never heard a bad word come out of her mouth concerning her staff and teachers. The school, by the way, is doing very well.
  5. Time Off - Are teachers getting time off for staff development days throughout the school year? Teachers should be meeting, aside from general conferences, to talk about common standards, training, etc.

The Top 5 at 7:45 airs weekdays with me, Gary Freeman and is sponsored by First Education Federal Credit Union.

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