In addition to what I discussed in my last post, same-sex schools have a smaller student-teacher ratio, which has a direct affect on your child's success.
The majority of public high schools in Missouri have student-teacher ratios that are not conducive to obtain the maximum required assistance to fully enhance a student's potential. For instance, I researched several public high schools in my backyard, and according to HighSchools.com, Marquette High School, located in Chesterfield has a 16.5:1 student- teacher ratio with over 2,200 students, Parkway South has a 15.4:1 student-teacher ratio with over 1,900 students, Fort Zumwalt West High School has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio with over 2,100 students, and Lafayette High School has a 16.8:1 student-teacher ratio with over 2,030 students. With these student-teacher ratios, it is quite difficult to obtain quality assistance, engagement, or build a relationship with ones teacher with this sort of unevenness. On the other hand, St. Joseph’s Academy, my former all-girls high school, has a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, with nearly 630 students, and Chaminade, an all-boys high school, has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, with nearly 790 students.
If you are unaware, small class sizes directly affect a student’s success for numerous reasons. For one, teachers have more time to focus on their individual students. Teachers are able to help students track their progress, improve their skills, and provide necessary feedback. In my experience at a same-sex high school, teachers were almost always available and willing to help. Many times, I would meet with my teachers during lunch, and see how I was doing in their class. I would have teachers look over assignments, asking them if I was on the right track, or if my work needed improvement. I knew that I had to take advantage of their availability. I truly believe that if I was not as able to seek necessary one-on-one help from teachers when needed, I would not have been as successful academically in high school. However, it is not just me that sees the direct correlation between smaller class sizes and academic success. According to the National Education Policy Center, “…class size is an important determinant of a variety of student outcomes, ranging from test scores to broader life outcomes.”
The majority of public high schools in Missouri have student-teacher ratios that are not conducive to obtain the maximum required assistance to fully enhance a student's potential. For instance, I researched several public high schools in my backyard, and according to HighSchools.com, Marquette High School, located in Chesterfield has a 16.5:1 student- teacher ratio with over 2,200 students, Parkway South has a 15.4:1 student-teacher ratio with over 1,900 students, Fort Zumwalt West High School has a 16.7:1 student-teacher ratio with over 2,100 students, and Lafayette High School has a 16.8:1 student-teacher ratio with over 2,030 students. With these student-teacher ratios, it is quite difficult to obtain quality assistance, engagement, or build a relationship with ones teacher with this sort of unevenness. On the other hand, St. Joseph’s Academy, my former all-girls high school, has a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, with nearly 630 students, and Chaminade, an all-boys high school, has a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, with nearly 790 students.
If you are unaware, small class sizes directly affect a student’s success for numerous reasons. For one, teachers have more time to focus on their individual students. Teachers are able to help students track their progress, improve their skills, and provide necessary feedback. In my experience at a same-sex high school, teachers were almost always available and willing to help. Many times, I would meet with my teachers during lunch, and see how I was doing in their class. I would have teachers look over assignments, asking them if I was on the right track, or if my work needed improvement. I knew that I had to take advantage of their availability. I truly believe that if I was not as able to seek necessary one-on-one help from teachers when needed, I would not have been as successful academically in high school. However, it is not just me that sees the direct correlation between smaller class sizes and academic success. According to the National Education Policy Center, “…class size is an important determinant of a variety of student outcomes, ranging from test scores to broader life outcomes.”
Another reason why small class sizes directly affect a student’s success, is because teachers make a stronger effort to know all of their students on a more personal level. According to Class Size Matters, when a teacher knows a student on a more personal level, high expectations are easier to uphold. For instance, when I did poorly on a math test my senior year, my teacher upheld high expectations. Because my teacher knew my capabilities, she questioned if I prepared enough for the test. She told me that I was much smarter than what I had shown, and that if I am confused about material, then I need to come see her for additional help. My teacher wanted me to succeed, because she knew I was capable. At a same-sex school, not only are teachers frequently available for one-on-one help, but also they get to know their students' capabilities, hold their students to high standards, and most importantly, they help to maximize their students' success.
Unfortunately though, many students at a public high school, who are in much larger classrooms, do not always get the same privilege that I did. Generally speaking, when teaching a large class, teachers are not as easily able to focus on individual students' needs, provide necessary feedback, or uphold such high expectations for individual students, simply because they have too many students to worry about.
Overall, my research has shown that same-sex high schools typically have a smaller student-teacher ratio, as well as a smaller enrollment. By sending your child to a high school with a smaller enrollment, and a smaller student-teacher ratio, your child will be more easily able to seek one-on-one help. Teachers will know your child’s abilities, and be able to hold your child to high standards. As a result of these benefits, your child will have a better chance of succeeding both in school, as well as later on in life.
Coming soon: At a same-sex school, boys and girls create bonds that last a lifetime.
Unfortunately though, many students at a public high school, who are in much larger classrooms, do not always get the same privilege that I did. Generally speaking, when teaching a large class, teachers are not as easily able to focus on individual students' needs, provide necessary feedback, or uphold such high expectations for individual students, simply because they have too many students to worry about.
Overall, my research has shown that same-sex high schools typically have a smaller student-teacher ratio, as well as a smaller enrollment. By sending your child to a high school with a smaller enrollment, and a smaller student-teacher ratio, your child will be more easily able to seek one-on-one help. Teachers will know your child’s abilities, and be able to hold your child to high standards. As a result of these benefits, your child will have a better chance of succeeding both in school, as well as later on in life.
Coming soon: At a same-sex school, boys and girls create bonds that last a lifetime.
Information From:
http://www.classsizematters.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/207632499-Pb-Class-Size.pdf
http://high-schools.com/directory/mo/cities/chesterfield/marquette-senior-high-school/292685000657/