Home Teacher Resources

Gather Information about SCHOOL CHOICES from a Variety of Sources
Resources
21st Century Learning Skills
Internet Resources Skills
  • School choice is a debatable issue; individuals and organizations have many strong opinions in favor of and against various school choice alternatives. Therefore, it is important to read critically to distinguish facts from opinions and evaluate information sources for bias.
General Resources (multiple topics)

General Resources (Multiple Topics)

Timeline: Evolving Classroom
Frequently Asked Questions about School Choice in the U.S.
Choice
Who should choose a child's school?
School Choice: A Progress Report

Open Enrollment Policies

Open Enrollment
Public School Choice
Web Dialogue Summary: Keeping School Choices Traditional (scroll down to Open Enrollment)
Number and Types of Open Enrollment Policies by State

Dual Enrollment Programs

Role of State Policies in Shaping Dual Enrollment Programs
High School Students Using Dual Enrollment Programs ...
Benefits of Dual Enrollment
Study: Is Dual Enrollment Right for You?

Magnet Schools

Magnet Schools
Magnet/Specialized Schools
What is a Magnet School?
Web Dialogue Summary: Keeping School Choices Traditional (scroll down to Magnet Schools)

Charter Schools

Charter Schools (U.S. Dept. of Education)
Charter Schools (Education Commission of the States)
Just the FAQ's: Charter Schools
Charter Schools Remain Subject of Debate
Web Diaglogue Summaries for Looking at Non-Traditional School Choices (scroll doen

Virtual & Distance Education

Online Schools Clicking with Students
Distance Learning/Virtual University
Are Online Schools a Good Idea?
Death of the Classroom?
Creating an Effective Virtual School Program

Vouchers for Private Schools

Vouchers
Private Schools
SoYouWannaLearn about School Vouchers?
An Idea Whose Time Has Gone
Vouchers (National Education Association)

Home Schooling

Home Schools
Homeschooling
Put your feet up, it's time for school
Home Schooling: Back to the Future?
Homeschooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics
Home Schooling Sparks Credential Debate ( sound file)

Databases* Skills

* No passwords are needed when using databases on school computers. See your library media specialist for logins required for accessing the databases at home.

Databases

Do a keyword search in one of these databases to locate articles about school choice, alternative education, or your specific topic:

  • Student Resource Center
  • Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center
  • ProQuest Professional Education
  • SIRS Researcher
  • SIRS Discoverer
  • World Book

Use the database's HELP portal to learn more about effective search strategies.

Use the Dictionary embedded in the database to define unfamiliar vocabulary.

Local Print and Nonprint Resources Skills

School Library holdings

Destiny

Baltimore County Public Library holdings

Do a keyword search in the DESTINY Library Catalog to find nonfiction and reference books about your topic.

Use indexes or tables of contents in nonfiction and reference books or encyclopedias to locate information related to your topic and questions.

Do a keyword search in the BCPL Catalog to locate additional resources.

Going to the Public Library? Use a graphic organizer before you go (print out a graphic organizer in Word or PDF format).

Chat online with a real live librarian at Ask Us Now! Be sure to have your research questions handy!