How do k-8 view it when you apply out to holton

[pbraverman]

Anonymous wrote:What if you don't agree to waiver?

In every academic setting I know, from pre-K to graduate school, it is expected that people will sign waivers regarding recommendations. That's the "industry standard," if you will.

However, under federal law parents own their children's academic records, and recommendations are a part of those records. If you decide against waiving your right to see them, you are entitled to a copy. You are not, however, entitled to editing privileges.

Most schools will mark "un-waived" recommendations as "Not Confidential," or something like that, and those non-confidential recommendations usually raise flags at the receiving schools. When I dealt with parents who declined to waive their rights, I almost received calls from schools asking why. In essence, those parents just shifted any potential concerns off the written recommendation and into a confidential discussion — and you can be sure you will never be apprised that discussion even took place, let alone what it covered. The situation is not perfect, but I recommend strongly that parents waive their rights.

Unless somebody is particularly spiteful, School A wants any School B to view A's students positively. I was never thrilled when students would apply out before completing the program, but I would certainly accept that it's a family decision and do all I could to help a student find success.

Peter
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Disclaimer: The anonymity here makes me uncomfortable; it's easy to be uninformed, personal, or simply mean-spirited if people don't identify themselves. For that reason, I have an account so you know whose words you're reading. I have more than 20 years' experience as a teacher and administrator in independent schools, and I have counseled hundreds of students in finding their next schools. I hope I can be helpful to some folks. If you don't like something I've said, you're in good company — there's a long line of past students and parents ahead of you. If you want to chat further, please feel free to contact me offline: peter <at> arcpd <dot> com

[Anonymous]

We applied my DC from public school; we signed the waiver.