Be involved. Parent involvement
helps students learn, improves schools, and helps teachers work with
you to help your children succeed.
Provide resources at home for learning.
Utilize your local library, and have books and magazines available
in your home. Read with your children each day.
Set a good example. Show your
children by your own actions that you believe reading is both
enjoyable and useful. Monitor television viewing and the use of
videos and game systems.
Encourage students to do their best in
school. Show your children that you believe education is
important and that you want them to do their best.
Value education and seek a balance
between schoolwork and outside activities. Emphasize your
children's progress in developing the knowledge and skills they need
to be successful both in school and in life.
Recognize factors that take a toll on
students' classroom performance:
Consider the possible negative effects of
long hours at after-school jobs or in extracurricular activities.
Work with your children to help them maintain a balance between
school responsibilities and outside commitments.
View drinking and excessive partying as
serious matters. While most parents are concerned about drug
abuse, many fail to recognize that alcohol, over-the-counter
drugs, and common substances used as inhalants are more frequently
abused than illegal drugs.
Support school rules and goals. Take
care not to undermine school rules, discipline, or goals.
Use pressure positively. Encourage
children to do their best, but don't pressure them by setting goals
too high or by scheduling too many activities.
Call teachers early if you think there's
a problem while there is still time to solve it. Don't wait for
teachers to call you.
Accept your responsibility as parents.
Don't expect the school and teachers to take over your obligations
as parents. Teach children self-discipline and respect for others at
home -- don't rely on teachers and schools to teach these basic
behaviors and attitudes.
