Parents As Partners in Schools How you can be the key to your child’s success in school!

What does parent involvement look like?

What evidence is there that parents can make a difference in their children’s studies?

Students whose parents are more involved than average have academic achievement rates a full 30% higher than other students, according to 25 recent research studies. The earlier parent involvement begins in a child’s educational process, the more powerful the effects.

Be patient and flexible. Building new habits takes time for everyone. Remember, we’re all working for the same goal. Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much. Let’s put our minds together and see what we can do for our children! A short walk to your child’s class goes a LONG way! It’s a team process!

TUSD Policies related to Parental Roles & Expectations District Policies Parent Involvement Policy School & Parent Compact

What are these policies trying to achieve?

Increase communication with families. Develop materials to help families with different needs and backgrounds. Emphasize family and community outreach. Involve families in school planning and the decision making process. Offering classes and workshops to support their child’s schooling.

How can I can get involved in my child’s school?

Get to know the teachers and staff, curriculum and policies. Take part in school activities. Show your child you value education. Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher. Send a simple note or call to thank them for their hard work. And most importantly, make sure your child attends school every day and is on time!

Getting Involved Can Be A Challenge But You Can Do It!

How can I get involved if I work during the day ?

Ask the teacher what you can do at home. Room parent/phone tree. Attend child’s performances. Raise tax credit money. Help get donations for incentives for attendance and reading. Help with evening & weekend activities. Respond to school surveys. Volunteer your expertise. Set aside a quiet, well lighted study space and check your child’s homework each night if possible. Limit TV viewing –(1-2 hrs.) especially on school nights.

What can I do if I have only a limited education myself ?

Create a quiet study space Check homework to see that it is completed Volunteer in the classroom or just visit your child’s classroom. Share your strengths and expertise in something you enjoy doing. Attend school functions and parent/teacher conferences. Participate in PTO, Site Council, DAC, SCPC meetings. Help with school beautification. Parents on Patrol – Cafeteria, Halls, Playground

Listen to your child read a story to you and ask them questions about it. Have them make up a new ending, or illustrate pictures together about it. Praise your child’s efforts Show them you value their education. Set goals together and talk positively about school. Build positive relationships with teachers and staff and be a positive role model yourself. Spend quality time with your child and show them that you love them.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act By the year 2000 every school will promote partnerships that will increase parental involvement. Parents play an integral role in their children’s learning and should be given the opportunity to act as full partners in their child’s education. The program will strive to meet the needs of all children.

Changes for consideration rather than labeling it for Working and or Limited Ed./Literacy Ask the teacher what you can do at home. Room parent/phone tree. Attend child’s performances. Raise tax credit money. Help get donations for incentives for attendance and reading. Help with evening & weekend activities. Respond to school surveys. Volunteer your expertise. Set aside a quiet, well lighted study space and check your child’s homework each night if possible. Limit TV viewing –(1-2 hrs.) especially on school nights. Have a quiet study space and check to see that homework is completed Volunteer in the classroom or just visit your child’s classroom. Share your strengths and expertise in something you enjoy doing. Attend school functions and parent/teacher conferences. Participate in PTO, Site Council, DAC, SCPC meetings. Help with school beautification. Parents on Patrol – Cafeteria, Halls, Playground Listen to your child read a story to you and ask them questions about it. Have them make up a new ending, or illustrate pictures together about it. Praise your child’s efforts and show them you value their education. Set goals together and talk positively about school. Build positive relationships with teachers and staff and be a positive role model yourself. Spend quality time with your child and show them that you love them. Tips for Parents

Tips for English Language Learners Seek a translator within the school to help you communicate your needs or concerns. Connecting is critical. Establish home-school connections by reaching out to each other and identify ways to support one another. Attend PTO, DAC, Site Council, SCPC and parent/teacher conferences. Translators are provided. Attend free ESL classes provided within the district and outside. Find ways to assist in your child’s school or classroom that does not involve speaking English. Find out what the school has to offer to support you as a partner in yor child’s education. Be a Parent on Patrol. Have your child read a story to you in English and ask them to translate it back to you so you can share and ask questions or draw pictures together. Share your strengths, interests and cultural traditions. Participate in school activities and fund raisers. Never stop communicating regardless of your English skills. Hold a Multi-Cultural Potluck Dinner Night. Invest in a Spanish/English Dictionary (or any other language dictionary). Continue to share about your cultural background and traditions to keep your child proud of their heritage. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes while learning a new language or trying to get involved.