Your Child’s Education: Get Involved

Parent Involvement Makes a Difference

What is the best predictor of a child’s success in school? Over 200 studies have shown that parent involvement makes a bigger difference than quality of teachers, the child’s intelligence, or family income.

But what does “parent involvement” really mean? Among other things, it means: developing a home environment that promotes learning; encouraging problem solving, curiosity, and independent thinking; modeling life long learning; supporting the school’s discipline policy; becoming a positive homework coach; and understanding your child’s learning style.

Activity:

Look for an opportunity this month to coach your child with a project, homework assignment, or some other academic endeavor. Review these pointers before you do:

·        Be available

·        Offer support, not criticism

·        Focus on effort

·        Remember, you don’t have to be an expert

·        Don’t expect perfection

·        Turn the thinking over to your child

·        Enjoy!

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