The time is now for our children to go back to school. So, parents all over this county will head out to get school supplies, clothes and other items to prepare their children for a great first day of school and ultimately a successful year of education. Most of our children have been out of the education arena this summer and have enjoyed nice days outside, spending time with friends, engaging in video game competition, and perhaps late night television exploration. The children young and old will have to get into a routine of getting up in the morning, which will entail adjusting to a more reasonable sleep schedule.
Parents will attend open house with their children to meet the teacher and explore the school. Some of the students will be new to the school and others will be veterans of the hallways and rules, but new to their present teacher. Students may be eager to return to school, nervous about their return to school or want an extended summer. In the end, they get into the routine of spending their days in an environment that provides instruction and test taking skills/strategies.
With all the talk about the student returning back to school, we have forgotten about the parent. Yes, I said the parent and I know that parents don’t actually go to school with their student, but their involvement is key to the success of the student. Parental involvement in the education process can sometime supersede learning and retention. I say that because parental involvement maintains the discipline in the educational process and a disciplined student will learn and retain the subject matter better.
Studies have shown that when parents are involved in the education process that students have higher grades, test scores and graduation rates. Also the attendance of the student is excellent and they experience fewer incidences of expulsion in school. More positive outcomes of parental involvement include a motivated student with high self-esteem, less encounters with drug and alcohol use, and few instances of violent behavior.
So, here are some essentials for successful parental involvement. First, parents must demand their student put forth their best effort in the education process, which includes high expectations academically and socially. Second, communication with the school is a must and it should be regular and consistent, The parent and teacher should communicate on a weekly basis whether it is through a visit to the school, telephone call, text, email or any form of communication through social networking. Third, volunteering or involvement with a parent association is recommended and offers potential involvement with school policy.
Welcome in the 2013-2014 school year with a household that will be actively involved in the education process. For the future challenges us to prepare for it today and preparation by action is education. I thank all of those involved parents and I welcome those that have been educated by this reading to the club.