API: Only part of the story

API scores are only part of the story. When I hear parents refer to "good" schools, the statement is quickly followed by how high the API scores are at a school.

According Munger (2005) & Hale (2001), when there is a poor fit between school/class and the child there is an increased chance the child will be misdiagnosed. According to these and other authors, many cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are within the normal functioning range of a child and easily corrected by a better fitted classroom and attentive adults. Problem behaviors may be a sign of a mismatch in learner and environment.

Be warned. API scores are only part of the information. You want a schools/class that is a good fit for your child's learning styles and characteristics. Remember we are all born with set temperaments. This means they are not likely to change much. Although we learn to work around them, this takes many adults well into their twenties.

According to Munger (2005) we change children's behavior by changing their environment, people and activities. You should look for teachers that show they care by using humor, taking extra time, giving positive statements, and simply being connected to your child.

Another thing to look for in schools are friends for your child. Do they have any? According to Munger (2005) teacher's should be connecting with a child outside of the school. Schools should make explicit efforts to engage parents. When the home-school connection is weak, there may be trouble lurking ahead.

Is the school a good match? Munger states there should be a good balance between standards and children's interest. Schools should offer diverse classroom settings. Before a child is placed in a class, you need to give the school information about your child. In addition, other teachers and the students can best help us determine the best fit for a class. It concerns me when the classes are picked the summer prior for a child and there is no evaluation of how the child is progressing in the setting or consideration to move the child to another class or school.

Hale, J. (2001). Learning while black: Creating excellence for African
American Children. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press.

Munger, R. L. (2005). Changing children's behavior by changing the people,
places, and activities in their lives. Boys Town: Boys Town Press.