By Saleem Rana
Interview by Allen Cardoza
April 30, 2012
Lon Woodbury, an Independent Educational Consultant, who has worked for close to 30 years helping parents find resources for children with behavioral problems, recently spoke to Allen Cardoza from Answers for the Family on L.A. Talk Radio. The topic of the discussion was about how parents are breaking away from relying on authoritarian professionals to decide on schools for at-risk children.
According to Woodbury, parents are increasingly taking charge of their children’s education. They are making their own decisions on what programs to send their children. In general, it appears parents are asserting themselves and hiring professionals to help them make informed decisions.
Independent Thinking in America
4-30-12 – Woodbury said his profession was the outcome of a general shift in consumer behavior. In the past, Americans tended to believe in what authority figures like psychologists and educators said in regards to their troubled teenagers. These “experts” would take children, “fix” them, and send them home reformed. At least that was the theory. Over the years, however, it became obvious that parents play a significant role in the recovery of their at-risk children.
This revolt has even affected policies toward public education. Today, things like Charter Schools, Vouchers, and home schooling are designed to involve parents in key decision-making when it comes to their children’s education. Also included are Parent Trigger Laws—currently active or being considered in 20 states—which give parents power to select educators at their children’s school.
The Role of Educational Consultants
Woodbury also discussed the role educational consultants can play in helping parents make good decisions. A consultant reviews hundreds of possibilities and determines which schools are unsuitable for the child. In addition, consultants help the parents through the enrollment process and serve as a stand-by should the parents and/or child need further guidance or help.
An Invaluable Resource for Parents
Realizing the need for parents to have an online resource, Woodbury created a website in 1995 to provide information about the many schools and programs available for troubled teens. His website called http://strugglingteens.com”>Struggling Teens.com provides invaluable news, education, and resources lists for both parents and professionals helping troubled teens find successful paths to adulthood.
