Parents searching for a good school for their child look at the quality of the school more than test scores, according to a Los Gatos middle school principal. They care more about how their child will adapt and how much their child will be welcomed and challenged at the school.
At a Silicon Valley Association of Realtors district meeting in Los Gatos, Lisa Fraser, principal at Raymond J. Fisher Middle School, said she understands why Realtors liked and relied on API (Academic Performance Index) scores to rate a school, but as an educator, she is happier with the new Smarter Balanced Assessment state standard, which includes student scores, achievement levels, and describes student performance. Fraser said she finds the new student assessment is of higher quality and provides more meaningful information about what students are learning.
Fraser explained the Smarter Balanced Assessment is aligned with the Common Core State Standards Initiative that spells out what K-12 students should know in English Language Arts and mathematics at the end of each grade. The system measures whether a student has met or exceeded the standards. The system includes multiple assessments within each criteria. As an example, she noted 82 percent of students at the school have either met or exceeded standards in English Language Arts.
Fraser told Realtors that questions she receives from parents inquiring about the school translate to local control and accountability, student engagement, and providing students access to information they need. "Parents don't ask about test scores, but ask, 'Will my child be challenged and supported?' They want to know if their child will be known, respected and cared for," said Fraser.
"Every parent wants their child to thrive in the school. They want a safe and orderly school climate, and want to know if the school is developmentally responsive to their child's needs. At Fisher Middle School we create conditions so students can be who they are," added Fraser.
Fraser said Fisher Middle School educates the whole child - academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. She said the school is inclusive and has the best special education in the country.
The middle school principal said she, in turn, asks parents to tell her about their child. She suggested Realtors ask parents the same question because not every school setting is right for every child.
Community engagement is important to parents. Fraser said the middle school is a leader in Project Cornerstone, which has schools and the community work to create positive and caring school climates that support academic achievement.
Parents also look at class size, which at the school is currently 29 to 1 or less, as well as a smooth transition to high school.
Fraser said facilities likewise matter to parents because they channel social pride. The school now has a new sports complex which includes a fitness center, locker rooms and a dance studio that is open to the community.
Karen Trolan, president of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors, said school officials are often invited to speak at the Realtor association's district meetings because the school district is a top priority for families searching for homes in the region.
"Schools are a selling factor. We are lucky that in Silicon Valley we have excellent public schools and higher education institutions. It is important for Realtors to learn about the schools because it is often the first question asked by potential buyers with children," said Trolan.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
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