Supporting success in school
If school is important to you, it will be important to your child. If your child feels good about his or her schoolwork, the chances for your child to succeed in school increase.
Your involvement in your child's education is also one of the best investments you can make. Research shows that when parents get involved, their children:
- Are better behaved and have more positive attitudes.
- Are more likely to pursue higher education.
- Earn better grades and test scores.
- Graduate from high school at higher rates.
Some parents have the time to become involved in many ways. Others may only have the time for one or two activities. Your involvement might be as simple as asking your children, "What was the most interesting thing you found out today?" or "What did you learn today that you would like to know more about?" By asking something about their day, each and every day, you will be communicating the message that their school life is important to you and that you expect them to learn. If you become involved and stay involved, you will make a big difference.
Homework and study skills
Get concrete ideas about how you can help your children develop good study skills
and be successful with their homework assignments.
Becoming involved in your children's education can be reading with your children regularly, taking time to listen to your children reflect on their day, or encouraging their efforts to learn. It is also important to:
- Attend as many school meetings and activities as possible.
- Attend parent conferences requested by the school.
- Read all newsletters that are sent home from school and feel free to call if you have any questions.
- Talk to other parents about their perceptions of school.
- Support your children's learning by helping them complete their homework.
If you have time, you can also support school in other ways:
- Volunteer at your child's school. The help is always welcome.
- Get involved with your schools' PTA/PTO, Site Council, or School Improvement Team.
- Attend school board meetings to find out about the kinds of issues the schools are facing and who is making the decisions.
High school involvement and student success
High school students cope with many pressures. In addition to academics, high school students struggle with personal identity, fitting into a social group, and peer pressure. They are also concerned with dating, driving, and planning for life after high school.
You can help your children navigate these challenging years by being prepared. There are many educational options in high school. With preparation, you and your children can create a plan that fits their needs, learning styles, and post-high school goals.
How can I help my teenagers transition to high school?
You can help your teens make this transition by:
- Visiting the high school your children plan. Many schools offer open houses for eighth graders and their parents.
- Finding out about the academic programs the high school offers. Before they select classes or programs, make sure you and your children know about all of the options and opportunities at the school, such as advanced placement, academies, professional-technical, and honors programs.
- Discussing all the options. Review the programs and classes, with an eye toward how they might support or broaden your children's interests.
- Helping select programs and courses. Help your children plan a course of study that matches their interests and goals.
How can I support my child in high school?
Your teenagers continue to need guidance and support from you as they go through high school. You can:
- Communicate that education is important and that you expect them to continue to do well in school.
- Provide guidance as they make important decisions about classes to take and activities in which to be involved.
- Be knowledgeable about graduation requirements and college entrance requirements so you can help them take appropriate classes in high school.
- Keep the lines of communication open so you will be aware of problems with schoolwork and friends.
- Stay in touch with teachers and counselors to help them stay on track.
- Make sure your children know that a grade point average is cumulative in high school and the grades earned in 9th grade are just as important as those earned in 12th grade. The better your children's high school grades, the more options they will have after high school.
- Continue to attend events for
parents and be involved in your students' activities.