Alfred M. Martin

A Parent's Guide to Education in the Third Millennium: a Matter of Choice Alfred M. Martin 1st edition

This work is the result of a study of education in the United States from the turbulent 1960s to the beginning of the third millennium. Its purpose it to assist parents in their efforts to provide their children with the best education possible. Consideration is given not only to school settings but also to those areas that are closely related to child rearing and the educational process. The recurring theme throughout this book is the role that parents play in each aspect of the topics presented. Accordingly, the book presents suggestions, opportunities for participation, initiatives, and resources available to parents as they become involved in the education of their children in the dawn of a new century. The first chapters explore the reasons why parents seek out the many choices available to them. The chapters on public schools, private schools, and religious education examine the status of the institutions and offer suggestions for improvement and the attainment of a quality education within these settings. Charter schools and home instruction is explored as two popular alternatives to education. With the growing interest in the school voucher system, there is a discussion of this along with the related recent U. S. Supreme Court decisions. The sections on the all-important role of the parent and the teacher offer suggestions, perspectives, and opportunities to form partnerships in the educational process. Other areas covered include: dealing with curriculum and instruction, the gifted child, and the monitoring of educational programs; the role of the modern high school and the technical school; discipline and homework; the role of state and federal government; financing options; special needs children; safety; and technology. The concluding chapters offer encouragement to parents that will guide them in providing the best possible education for their children.