You probably read it daily in the newspapers or hear it on the playground at your child's school, "No Child Left Behind, testing, and standards are ruining our lives." Unfortunately, that is not the whole truth. The real issue lies with what is actually being taught in the classroom. Most curricula today is not all that impressive and does not measure up to the increasing rigorous standards most states have adopted. This section of Parent Power! offers a sneak peak at some of CER's "Best Bets" curricula, and what should be happening in your child's classroom.

CER's Best Bets: What parents should look for in a "core" curriculum

• Multi-subject programs 
• Reading
• Math
• History

While we're on the subject

• Understanding your child's mathematics education
• Don't know much about history? 
• Getting science right

The importance of the arts at school

• Does music class help children learn?
• Is your child musically inclined?
• The academic focus of the visual arts.
• How can you use art to help your child achieve?

Whatever happened to…

• Grammar Instruction
• Penmanship

Other issues at school every parent should know about

• Electronic Effect: Television, gaming and computers' impact on learning
• Character education? What to look for in your school.
• School spotlight: Character education that works.
• What about technology and schools? How to keep it in perspective.
• Is recess becoming obsolete? It shouldn't. Don't forget to play!
• Manipulatives - Benefit or Buzzword?