College Preparation

Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know

Most private schools have Codes of Discipline that will not tolerate substance abuse. Smoking pot or drinking alcohol are common examples of substance abuse. I am bringing this up because many parents think that they can appeal disciplinary action a school brings against students. The problem is that students attending a private school are covered by what is known as contract law. In a public school they would have rights. That is not the case in a private school. Students' rights are clearly spelled out in the contract parents and the school sign.

Here, then, are some common questions parents have about private school discipline and how infractions of the school's discipline code are usually handled.

Parent: My child has been expelled for smoking pot at their private school. I'm shocked and don't understand why the consequences are so severe. Can you explain?

School: We understand this is a difficult situation. Private schools have strict policies regarding substance abuse, including marijuana use. When students break these rules, they face immediate consequences, often including expulsion. This is because private schools operate under contract law, which allows them to take action in disciplinary matters compared to what can happen in public schools.

Basically, it means that if you go to a private school, you are not covered by the same laws as you were when you attended public school. Private schools are covered by something called contract law. It

How to Study for an Exam

Exams can be nerve-wracking at any age. So, show your child where exams fit in and, more importantly, how to prepare for them. From early grades, teachers evaluate your child's learning through different methods.

Canva generated this picture of a student studying for an exam.

The Purpose of Exams

Exams are a formal, structured method of assessment.

• Unfortunately, what makes exams stressful in high school, college, and in our professional lives is that so much is riding on them.
• For example, you must pass the LSAT to get into law school.
• Then, you must pass a state bar exam to practice law.
• The pressure to succeed is enormous.

That's why I recommend you tell your child how you handled preparing for and taking the exam. The more your child understands how exams work and how to handle them, the more successful she is likely to be.

Exams and tests are a great way to assess what the students have learned with regards to particular subjects. Exams will show what part of the lesson each student seems to have taken the most interest in and has remembered. Source: Edu-Quip

Understand Your Learning Style

As soon as you can, identify your child's learning style.

• Observe her preferences and tendencies in how she processes and retains information.
• Contrast that with how you learn

Private schools thrive on the active involvement of parents in various aspects of their children's educational experience. These institutions greatly value the contributions of parents in creating a vibrant and supportive community. Volunteering at your child's private school not only fosters a stronger connection with the institution but also sets an excellent example for your child. In this article, we'll explore various ways you can get involved and make a meaningful impact on your children's educational journey.

Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA)

Most private schools have a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) that plays a crucial role in building a strong school community. Joining the PTA provides parents with opportunities to participate in school-wide initiatives, fundraisers, and events. These organizations often serve as a bridge between parents, teachers, and school administrators. A well-organized, well-run PTA can also become one of your school's most effective marketing tools. Satisfied parents talk and spread the word about the school which means so much to them.

This video explains why it is important to be involved in your school's parent-teacher organization.

Classroom Assistance

Offering to assist in your child's classroom is an excellent way to get directly involved in their education. Teachers often appreciate having volunteers to help with various tasks, such as reading with students, organizing materials, or supervising field trips. By doing so, you can gain insights into your child's daily school life and build a closer relationship

As you evaluate private high schools, review the kind of standardized college admissions tests on which they base their curricula and teaching. College admissions tests play a significant role in the admissions process, providing colleges and universities with standardized measures of academic preparedness. This article aims to delve into the similarities and differences between the three prominent college admissions tests: SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test), ACT (American College Testing), and CLT (Classic Learning Test).

Test Structure and Format

The SAT is a widely recognized college admissions test the College Board administers. It consists of sections in Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and an optional Essay. The SAT is scored on a scale of 400-1600, with an additional essay score (if taken). The test allows approximately 3 hours without the Essay and 3 hours and 50 minutes with the Essay.

The ACT, developed by ACT, Inc., consists of sections in English, Math, Reading, Science, and an optional Essay. The ACT is scored on a scale of 1-36, with an additional essay score (if taken). The test allows approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes without the Essay and 3 hours and 35 minutes with the Essay.

The CLT, offered by the Classic Learning Test organization, features sections in Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and an optional Essay. The CLT is scored on a scale of 0-120, with an additional essay score (if taken). The test allows approximately 2 hours and

Get Your ACT Together!

What is ACT?

The California Department of Education answers that question as follows:

The ACT test is designed to assess a high school student's general educational development and ability to complete college-level work.

How do colleges use ACT?

Many colleges use the ACT results as one factor in the admissions process. ACT, a non-profit organization, has developed the test administered in locations around the world.

This video explains ACT.

What does the test cover?

From the ACT website:

"The ACT test covers four subject areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. Each subject area test receives a score ranging from 1 to 36. The composite score is the average of all four subject area test scores. Many colleges and universities use ACT scores as one factor in making admissions decisions."

When can you take the test?

The ACT is administered here in the United States seven times a year. International testing takes place five times a year. Be sure to consult ACT's website to confirm upcoming test dates and register. Don't wait until the last minute to register.

How much does the test cost?

In 2021 ACT costs $85 for the test and the writing component. If you cannot afford the test, you can apply for a fee waiver.

What if I am homeschooled or require special accommodations?

Homeschooled