Laboratory/Campus Schools

hmp1

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with University Affiliated Teaching schools? I'm putting James on the waiting list for ours tomorrow but not really sure how I feel about this type of school yet. On the plus side, I feel like the teachers probably put forth a lot of effort as they are also teaching future teachers. They also have small class sizes which is a big factor for me in the young K/elementary years.

hmp1

That's where I'm at too. I don't want my kids to be test bunnies but these schools have been around for so long I guess it isn't really a "test" type situation. I'm sure they have the routines down. James is really engaged by young women and I think having college students around will help him want to participate. But I can't help but feel weird about my kids being the lesson plan.

linzeek44

I've worked in campus-based child care, a charter school preschool with observation booths, and then as a graduate researcher and practicum student.

Some of the pluses are that schools are often overseen by professors in education who have to be up on current best practices. Ratios tend to be awesome with student assistants and volunteers.

Generally, they would have to have both your written consent and your kids' okay to take part in research. So, you could opt out if you chose. Although the research is so thoroughly vetted it usually is a pretty awesome opportunity (one on one attention to play games with a researcher and get stickers = kids' dream).

I had mirrored observation booths and kids never really noticed or cared.