25 Ways for Parents to Be Involved in Their Child’s Education
When parents are involved in their children’s education, children succeed at higher rates. Analysis from the National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools concluded that when schools and parents work together, students earn higher grades, perform better on tests, enroll in more advanced courses and more often graduate and continue onto post-secondary education.
These findings come as no surprise to Jim Dillon, educator and author of “No Place for Bullying.” “Kids need to see school as a place where their efforts lead to success — their investment in school increases when they know their parents and school staff are on the same team, ready and willing to help them should they need it.”
Even the busiest families can get involved. Ask Sue Robinson of the National PTA. “As a working parent, I do have to free up some time to stay up to speed with what is happening in my child’s life and school activities,” Robinson says.
- Approach interactions with a positive attitude and an open mind.
- Share your child’s strengths, talents, and interests with your child’s teachers.
- Share expectations and set goals together for your child.
- Make appointments as needed to discuss your child’s progress or concerns.
- Understand and reinforce school rules and expectations at home.
- Participate in informal opportunities to talk with and get to know school staff and educators.
- Address concerns or questions honestly, openly, and early on.
- Attend parent meetings regularly.
- Read and know your center handbook.
- Share your family’s culture, values, and parenting practices with your child’s school.
- Share your perceptions with educators and school staff of how parents are treated.
- Participate in parenting classes on child development, expectations, discipline, etc.
- Assist in creating and/or offer your services to child care center.
- Ask teachers or counselors about how to talk with your children about tough topics.
- Discuss your child’s school day daily.
- Make family trips to the library, zoo, museum, or park a fun learning experience.
- Help set goals and develop a personalized education plan for your child.
- Assist your child’s teacher in the classroom or on field trips when you are able.
- Assist school staff and educators in creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for parents.
- Learn and upload school discipline, confidentiality, and other policies as a volunteer.
- Participate in meetings to determine special educational needs and services.
- Attend workshops on problem solving, conflict resolution, public speaking, and so forth.
- Help your school develop a director of social and community services.
- Serve on local community advisory councils and committees.
- Be a role model, be active in community service yourself or together with your child.
Based on the National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs of the National PTA.