1. Parental Involvement: Makes A Difference
Fall 2016
Gwendolyn Longmire, Ph.D.
Zachary Community School District

2. Parental Involvement! Support your child’s learning Get Involved
Join the PTO
Volunteer

3. Roles of Parents
There are two distinct roles for a parent when it comes to parental involvement:
The parent as a supporter.
The parent as an active partner.

4. Be an Active and Supportive Partner
Reinforce the lessons from the classroom by:
Encouraging homework completion.
“Checking for learning” at home.
Promoting reading.

5. Tips for Parents
With the beginning of the school year, there are six tips on how parents can become an active partner in their child’s education.

6. Tip # 1: Communicate
Provide contact information to your child’s teacher: work phone number, , and a cell phone number.
Get to know your child’s teacher.
Check with the school about volunteer opportunities.

7. Tip #2: Encourage Model the behavior you desire of your child.
Share the value of education with your child.
Encourage your child to do their very best.

8. Tip # 3: Content
Check the Department of Education website about resources:
Enhance learning for your child by providing activities that relate to what is being taught.

9. Tip # 4: Homework
Provide a quiet location at home for your child to concentrate on and complete their homework.
Support your child through his/her learning challenges.
Check to see if your child’s homework is complete.

10. Tip # 5: Read
Encourage your child to turn off the television, video games, computer, iPads, etc.
Spend time reading a book with your child.
Encourage your child to read to you.

11. Tip # 6: Prepare for School
Help your child to prepare for school by being prepared yourself.
Encourage your child to do their very best.
Stay involved.

12. Questions…
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school or:
Gwendolyn Longmire, Ph.D.
Phone:

13. Teachers: How to Engage Parents
_________
Parental Involvement

14. Purpose
To help develop partnerships to significantly improve student performance.

15. “Coming together is a beginning, Keeping together is progress,
Working together is success.”
Henry Ford

16. Why the Lack of Parental Involvement?
Factors that may prohibit parental involvement:
Parents' own educational experiences in school.
Attitude of school staff
Family Issues
Time Commitments

17. Getting Parents Involved
Establish relationships with families of students, especially those students new to the school and/or students who are academically at-risk,
Seek parents’ support and guidance in promoting academic success and social growth for their child.
Make telephone calls to parents to set up conferences.

18. Benefits of Involving Parents
Research shows a strong link between family involvement and educational performance of children:
Better school attendance.
Greater enrollment in post-secondary education.
Higher grades and test scores.
Higher graduation rates.
More positive attitudes about school.

19. Parent Conferences
Schedule appointments to meet with parents/caregivers of students.
Meetings should be held in an environment that is comfortable for both the teacher and the parents/caregivers.
Have talking points and forms to assist with this meeting.

20. Points to Remember
Parents are their child’s first teacher. Emphasize this point often.
Spend a few minutes greeting the parent; thank him/her for allowing you to meet to discuss the student from the perspective of the parent.
Listen to what the parent has to say.
Show respect for the parent’s role and capacity to be involved in the student’s education and life.

21. Suggested Talking Prompts
What should I know about his/her personality?
What are his/her favorite subjects in school?
What else do you think I need to know about your child? What’s the best way for us to stay in touch with each other?
Would you be interested in helping out in the classroom? How would you like to volunteer and when is best for you?
Are there any circumstances at home that I should know about that might affect your child’s learning?
Do you have any questions for me?

22. Final Prompt to the Parent
I am looking forward to a really successful year with your child. Let’s work together to have a great school year!

23. Additional Information?
Contact:
Your school administrator or
Gwendolyn Longmire, Ph.D.
(225)