It sometimes concerns me when I read an article in the mainstream press and have to check if haven’t accidentally ended up on The Onion. I had one of those experiences the other day when I came across an article about how parents in New York City are paying up to $1000 to have their 3- and 4-year-olds  coached on how to take the tests used to qualify students for gifted and talented kindergarten public school programs. Apparently motivated by the desire to avoid the cost of private schooling, these parents describe themselves as seeking the opportunity “to have a choice.” While I admit to not fully understanding all the dynamics around raising a child in Manhattan, I find the whole thing rather ridiculous and resonate to a recent piece in Time about over-involved parents.  

At the other end of the spectrum in terms of over-parenting, I was intrigued by a high school graduation coaching program in the Indianapolis Public Schools. Unfortunately, not unlike many large urban school districts, IPS struggles with high school graduation rates under 50% and students and families who often face a myriad of challenges outside the classroom. Financed by the local Chamber of Commerce, the intent of the program is to help students to complete high school.  Here, it is good to see the business community lend a hand where resources of this type are scarce. In the long run, it is hard to see how a program like this won't benefit all involved--students, their families, and the community at large.

Reid Klion