It is important that we place a high value on education. As we move forward into a new decade, we need to have an emphasis on ensuring that our schools are high quality institutions. Not only am I a teacher I am also a parent. As a parent I do my best to keep an eye on the schools that my children attend. As a teacher I have inside experience in the education field that helps me know what to look for to identify the best schools.

The thing that you have to know is that not all schools are the same (I’ve been to some of the bad ones) and that is why I like to help parents to recognize the good ones so that they know if their kids are getting the best educational opportunities. Here are some examples of important things you should look out for that are common in well managed schools. All of these are examples of good thinking by educators who are truly concerned about the well being of their students and the quality of education that they are providing.

To be realistic, not all schools are going to have the formula down perfectly. One major problem is that the funding isn’t always there for everything that schools want to do. The best way for you to really know the quality of your school is to actually go get involved in activities like the PTA that let you meet the faculty and take in the school environment from the inside. However all of these are good signs that your school is on the right track as far as providing the best educational environment possible for students.

Computer Learning is a Mandatory Part of the Schedule - This should be a standard for all schools. It is essential that education follow the trends of society at large. There are virtually no jobs available in the modern market that don’t require workers to have computer skills. That is why all schools should have mandatory requirements for computer use in the classroom starting very early on (3rd or 4th grade at the latest).

There is a Daily Physical Education Program - So many studies have demonstrated the links between physical activity and good student health, but plenty of studies have linked increased physical activity to higher test scores too. The reason for that is increased exercise is linked to higher endorphin levels, better circulation and increased blood flow to the brain. A recent French study replaced a portion of class time with physical activity and researchers found that not only did test scores not suffer, they improved. Unfortunately many physical education programs are the first things put on the chopping block when budgets are reduced.

Healthy Vending Machines - With First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” project there has been a lot of focus on what sorts of foods are in schools. There really isn’t any excuse at all for schools to allow junk food to be stocked in their vending machines for kids to buy. There are companies like Fresh Healthy Vending that will actually place machines in schools free of charge. Fresh Healthy Vending machines only have natural and organic products that are healthy for kids. If a school doesn’t take advantage of programs like this and allows the junk food vending machines it is a bad sign.

An Active Arts Program - Arts programs are so important for kids. Arts programs round out our children’s educations and contribute to a happy student body and better test scores. Involvement in the arts also keep kids out of trouble- a school that pays attention its art program will also have a lower instance of drug use and a lower rate of teen pregnancy in its student population.

The School has a Secure Campus - This is another standard for all well managed schools. Nowadays it is absolutely necessary for all schools to run a secure campus. All walk-on visitors should be immediately directed to the school’s office. This reduces the danger to students from outsiders entering the campus and the risk of students coming in contact with undesirable people that might do harm to them.

To find out more about promoting nutritious foods in schools, gyms and offices get a no cost organic vending guide or read more about organic vending machines. This article, Top 5 New Improvements In Schools has free reprint rights.