Sharon F. Andrews, Ed.D. The Importance of Parent Involvement in Schools Sharon F. Andrews, Ed.D.

Parent Involvement Why is parental involvement so important? How do I get involved at school? What if I am busy during school – how can I get involved? I need specific suggestions of how to help, both at home and at school! And, what about homework? Help!!! Can I get more information?

Benefits of Parent Involvement Higher grades and test scores Better attitudes and behavior Better school attendance More homework completed Greater likelihood of graduating from high school Better chance of enrolling in postsecondary education Schools improve for all Return

Being Involved During School Attend school programs. Read the school newsletter. Visit your child's classroom  Volunteer to help in the classroom as an assistant Get to know your child's teachers. Support your child in school activities. Spend time at the school as a volunteer or visitor. Return

Being Involved After School Offer to call other parents to notify them of school events. Attend open houses and back-to-school nights. Help edit the school newsletter. Join the parent-teacher association. Take part in after-school events. Support student events and performances by helping with them, and by attending them.  Be part of decision-making committees about school issues and problems Return

Suggestions for Parents Before School Communication with Teachers and Staff Communication with Your Child The Home Environment Positive Reinforcement Other Ways to Help Return to Main Menu

Before School Make sure your child gets to school on time and is well-rested. Make sure your child has a good breakfast before school. Return

Communication with Teachers and School Staff Attend open houses and parent-teacher conferences. Answer notes and calls from your child’s teacher. Return

Communication with Your Child Encourage your child to share information about school and respond with empathy. Ask specific questions about what happens at school each day and how your children feel about it. Discuss what your child reads. Ask about homework assignments daily. Return

The Home Environment The Home Environment Keep books, magazines, and newspapers in your home. Set a regular family quiet time for study and homework. Provide a suitable place for study that is comfortable, with good lighting, quiet, and away from distractions. Limit television, computer, and video game time. Establish rules and routines at home. Limit after-school jobs and activities. Return

Positive Reinforcement Praise your child for doing well. Make praise a habit. Celebrate your child’s successes. Proudly display your child’s school projects and work. Speak positively about your child’s teachers and counselors. Talk to your child about the benefits of education. Avoid making homework a punishment. Return

Others Ways to Help Take your child to the library Read with your child Encourage your child to write notes to relatives. Suggest that your child keep a journal. Have high expectations for your child’s learning and behavior, both at home and at school. Return

Homework Hints Homework Hints Assume that your children will have studying to do every night. For my 5th graders, I say 45 minutes to an hour a night. If they are not doing homework, they can study, read, or write in a journal. Ask your children if they understand their homework. If they do not, work a few examples together. Ask about your child’s classes and what they are studying. Stay in touch with your children's teachers. Ask their teachers how you can support what they are studying (flash cards, spelling, etc.). Remember, you and their teachers want the same thing — to help your children learn. More Homework Hints Return

Don't be afraid to get in touch with the teacher if you and your child don't understand an assignment or if your child is having a great deal of trouble. Almost all parents run into these problems, and teachers are glad to help. Don't do your children's work for them. Help them learn how to do it themselves. Show your children that you think homework is important. If you are at work during homework time, ask to see their work when you get home. Praise your children for doing well. Make praise a habit. Ask your school about tips or guides for helping your children develop good study habits. Help older students organize their assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates, dates turned in, etc. Return

Further Information Further Information Visit my website http://sa067.k12.sd.us for helpful links for: Information on Parent Involvement Science standards websites, grades 3-5 High-ability learners websites For kids, parents, and teachers Articles on differentiation Return to Main Menu