What Know About Your

What You Need to Know About Your Child's Education

As a parent, you want what is best for your child. That includes getting a good education. But with all the changes that are happening in education today, it can be hard to keep up. Here are some things you need to know about your child's education:

1. The Common Core State Standards

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are a set of academic standards that have been adopted by most states in the United States. The CCSS define what students should know and be able to do at each grade level in English language arts and mathematics.

The CCSS are designed to be more rigorous than previous standards. They emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The CCSS also place a greater emphasis on reading nonfiction texts.

2. Standardized Testing

Standardized testing is a major part of the education system in the United States. Standardized tests are used to measure student achievement and to compare schools and districts.

There are many different types of standardized tests, but the most common are:

* The SAT and ACT: These tests are used for college admissions.

* The PSAT and PLAN: These tests are used to prepare students for the SAT and ACT.

* State assessments: These tests are used to measure student progress in meeting the CCSS.

3. School Choice

School choice is a term used to describe the different options that parents have for educating their children. School choice options include:

* Public schools: Public schools are funded by the government and are free to attend.

* Charter schools: Charter schools are public schools that are operated by private organizations. Charter schools are free to attend, but they have more flexibility than traditional public schools.

* Private schools: Private schools are funded by tuition and are not operated by the government.

4. The FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that students must complete in order to apply for federal financial aid for college. The FAFSA is used to determine a student's eligibility for Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and other types of financial aid.

5. College Planning

College planning is a process that should start early in your child's education. There are many things that you can do to help your child prepare for college, such as:

* Talking to your child about their interests and goals

* Helping your child develop good study habits

* Encouraging your child to take challenging courses

* Saving for college

By staying informed about your child's education, you can help them get the best possible start in life.