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Summary (via Random House Australia)
Australian parents have never had more choice or information on schools. But much of the information available asks more questions than it answers. This is the first book that has all the answers and more. It is a must read for any parent who wants to get the best education possible for their child.
A clear and accessible book that answers every likely question parents could have about My School/NAPLAN/choosing a school.
What makes a good school? What should a parent know and what should they ask? This book also covers hot topics such as what to do about a bad teacher, bullying, multi-cultural policies, enrolment policies, coaching, selective schools, private vs public.
Comments
I’ve always been very interested and involved in my children’s education and discussing educational issues in general, but I’ve never been a big fan of the My School website. I’ve always found the information it provides too vague and indeterminate to be of any particular use. It has also often bothered me that the information on the My School website and associated NAPLAN results were often used in discussions about educational issues without considering the many other factors that are part of assessing the success or suitability of a school.
I think that is why I enjoyed reading Maralyn Parker’s book so much. My School provides the background information parents need to get the most from not only the My School website and NAPLAN results but also school reports and general contact with school staff.
I like that My School places the My School website and NAPLAN results into a big picture view of schooling in Australia. It also discusses the many other factors that should influence our decision when choosing a school for our children – location, leadership, sporting programs, special interest and special need programs, public or private schools, etc.
I liked the no nonsense tone of the book, especially in comparison to the media hype that often surrounds discussions of NAPLAN and the My School website. I also liked that many website links that were included throughout the book so that parents can easily find more facts and information on topics that are of particular interest.
I’ve quoted information from this book several times in conversation recently and personally found the discussion of the pros and cons of selective schooling particularly useful. There were also some very practical tips on how to communicate effectively with classroom teachers and other school staff and a useful checklist of items to consider when choosing a school for your child.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is keen to better understand the many facts and figures that are being put forward in discussions about schools and schooling in Australia. For those interested in this topic, Maralyn Parker also has an education blog at the Daily Telegraph and a My School Facebook page where readers can join in discussions about education issues.
Book Details
Title: My School: What every parents needs to know about NAPLAN, the My School website and getting the best education for your child
Author: Maralyn Parker
Publisher: Bantam, 2011
ISBN: 9781864712056
Genre: Non-Fiction
Source: Publisher review copy
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