RISMEDIA, Nov. 7, 2007-Standard & Poor’s School Evaluation Services has re-launched SchoolMatters.com. The newly redesigned online resource is now primarily aimed at helping parents select the best schools for their children.
The site serves as a fast, easy way to compare schools and learn what other parents think about a school, providing families with all the information they need to make better-informed decisions about their child’s education.
“Previously, SchoolMatters served multiple audiences from educators and policymakers to parents and researchers,” said Thomas Sheridan, vice president of School Evaluation Services for Standard & Poor’s. “Today, we are launching a site designed with busy parents in mind that focuses on their needs. We’ve heard time and time again that parents want a fast and easy way to learn more about public schools; they want to know what other parents think about a school; and they want to be able to compare schools. The new SchoolMatters Web site gives them the ability to do all of these things and more.”
As parents go about choosing the best schools for their children, the SchoolMatters.com Web site allows them to:
– View comprehensive school profiles including information on test performance, enrollment, student demographics, class size, teacher qualifications, curriculum, school news, extracurricular activities, district spending and community profiles.
– Access valuable school information. From lunch menus to after-school activities SchoolMatters.com provides links directly to school Web sites so parents have easy access to additional information about a school.
– Analyze side-by-side comparisons of schools. Parents can select and compare up to three schools (within the same state) at one time allowing for a comprehensive break down of the schools they are most interested in evaluating.
– View feedback from other parents or write their own review for their child’s school. Parents gain access to insight and opinions on quality of curriculum and instruction, extracurricular activities, special programs, school safety, or other aspects of schools that parents care about.
– Share experiences and answer other parents’ questions. Parents can volunteer to be a resource and exchange information via e-mail with anyone who wants to learn more about a school.
For more information, visit www.SchoolMatters.com.
