Why get involved in your children's education?
The National Campaign for Public School Improvement says that since approximately 80 percent of your child’s time is spent outside the school, the role a parent plays is critical in any systemic plan to improve their education. This means not only attending PTA meetings or getting to know your children’s teachers and principal, but actively working with your children. Parental involvement can be used to accelerate a child’s learning as well as help in the development of a long-lasting and positive attitude towards success in school. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. If you show them that you value education, the chances are your child will too. But there’s so much to do. Where do you begin? How can you make a difference? If sometimes as a parent you feel frustrated, you are not alone. Many parents feel the same way. Not only is it important to keep up with what is going on in school, your children’s teachers and outside influences...but you may also need to work with your children in preparing them for those critical state standardized tests they will be required to pass in order to be promoted to the next grade. Many concerned teachers believe that parental involvement is critical to the formation of good study habits, a critical component to success in school. Being involved as a parent may take the form of keeping the A student motivated, or helping the B student improve, or giving the struggling C or D student the self-esteem to try a little harder. As they progress it is so important that we continue to instill a love of learning in our children, and help ensure they maintain the grades that can make the difference between just working for minimum wage or going to college… a future that involves just “doing a job” or having a profession they love. It all begins at home. It all begins with you. |