When Parents Are Involved, Kids Do Better

You probably have high expectations for your child this school year. And you should. But you also have a right to expect a lot of your child's teacher and your child's school. After all, what's at stake is your child's education: his or her very future. As a parent, stepping forward to make contact with your child's teachers and school staff isn't just the right thing to do; it's what works. Studies have shown that children do better in school when their families stay involved in their education. And teachers almost unanimously say they have higher expectations of children whose families they have gotten to know.

You're busy. Maybe you can't do all you'd like with your child's school. So consider these suggestions from experts about the most important ways you can stay involved.

• Even if you can't do anything else this school year, be sure to schedule one-on-one parent-teacher conferences at your child's school. It's not just about problems. This is your best chance to ask a teacher the important questions:
  - What will you expect my child to know in core subjects this year?
  - What are my child's strengths? Where does he or she need help?
  - How will I know if my child is doing OK or falling behind?
  - What should I do if my child is struggling with homework?
  - How should you and I communicate about my child's progress?
  
  
• The best way to know what is happening at school is to see it for yourself. Try to sit in on your child's class during a regular school day. You will probably need to make an appointment. Once you're in the classroom, pay close attention. Are all of the students focused on learning? Is the mood one of enthusiasm? Does the teacher create stimulating lessons?
  
  
• While you're at the school, look for evidence of active learning in the hallways: displays of student work on the walls, learning-related conversations between teachers and students, etc.
  
  
• Make an appointment to talk to the principal. He or she sets the tone for all that happens in a school. Look for a school-wide commitment to high standards. If your state has a system of statewide accountability, is the school clear about what it needs to improve? Do the principal and staff use student achievement data to make decisions about what needs to be improved?

It's your child. It's your school. And the best way to satisfy your high expectations is to stay involved.