Why get involved?

This article was in the Silver Mesa newsletter this spring. I thought it was really good!

 

By: Virginia M. Ramos Matias, M.Ed., School Psychologist
 

School and Home Partnerships for Success
 

Educational research has consistently shown that parent involvement in schools is crucial.  Any amount of parental support of educational goals and involvement in school has been shown to positively affect academic, behavioral, and social outcomes.  “Parental involvement is critical because learning occurs across multiple settings and that collaborative problem-solving partnerships with parents ensure the greatest chance of student success” (Esler, Godber & Christenson, 2008; as cited in Jarmuz-Smith).

What can you do to establish a successful school-home partnership?  

1. Communication is key.
1. At the start of the semester make sure that your child’s teacher has reliable ways to communicate any news with you (e.g. home notes, email, phone, etc.).
2. When you have established that communication, make sure that you revise it everyday. Let your child knows that you are interested in his/her progress at school and that you will be looking forward to those notes.
3. Let the teacher know if major life events that might affect your child’s performance occur and ask how you can help support them at school.  
2. Let you student know how much you value his/her education, and success.
1. Reinforce academic, social, and behavioral successes at school. You can praise, establish reinforcement systems and ask them how their school day went.
2. Have set schedules for homework, down time, play time, etc. Children respond positively to consistency, and routines.  Have a specific clean, well lighted, and organized space for them to complete their homework. Help them divide and use their time appropriately, and organize their materials for better access.
3. Explain why their education is important, and support them through their struggles by remaining positive, and caring.
3. Volunteer! Time is hard to come by, but small things go a long way. You can volunteer to create flyers or look for donations or volunteer for district committees of your knowledge. Help with fundraisers or donate materials. Ask your PTA representative or call the school for information.
4. Ask! Your child’s teacher can give you lots information.  
1. Ask them what activities you can provide at home to help your child practice skills, what books would be appropriate for reading practice, what are the best ways to practice spelling or math, etc.
2. Ask how your child’s behavior is at school, and how he is doing socially. If there are any concerns, ask what she does to support appropriate behaviors at school, and how you can reinforce appropriate school behaviors at home.