Improve involvement in child’s education

As a parent of school-age children, you have made yourself a promise. This year is going to be better. You are going to be more involved in the education process, going to communicate more with the administrators and teachers at school and are going to be at the school whenever possible.

Here are some guidelines suggested by educators for better parent involvement and for improved communication between home and school:

• Encourage your child to put high priority on his/her education by following the rules set by the school and by taking advantage of the opportunities afforded him/her.

• Get acquainted with other parents by attending parent meetings and participating in organizations that promote a better school climate.

• Discuss placement and evaluation of your child by reviewing both teacher-made and standardized tests. Don’t be afraid to ask, “Is my child doing the best he/she can do?” If not, ask what concepts or skills you and your child need to concentrate on?

• Read and ask questions about teacher evaluations. Is your child a behavior problem? If so, what can you do to help?

• Ask about your child’s social adjustment. Does your child get along with his/her peers? Does he/she participate in organized games and sports in physical education and physical fitness activities?

• If your child is in high school or about to enter high school, become familiar with various graduation plans and the courses available to complete these plans.

• Ask about the options for college credit while attending high school, correspondence courses or advanced placement.

• Become knowledgeable about grading policies and discuss them with your child.

• After becoming familiar with school policies, try to maintain a good communication pattern with your child.

• Talk to the child about his/her feelings about school. Help him/her develop a positive attitude about school.

• Enlist the aid of playmates and older siblings who have positive feelings about school.

• As soon as possible after the school day is over, inquire about the day’s activities, the child’s triumphs and disappointments.

• Get feedback from the school quickly if you detect a problem.

• Capitalize on your child’s strengths and set goals for improving achievement in other areas.

Parents who are actively involved in their children’s school find this strengthens relationships with their children by giving them new topics of conversation and insight in their children’s lives.