How To Help Your Kids Succeed In School All Year/afa

h shows that parental involvement in schoolslearning at home.
improves student achievement, reduces*Visit the classrooms. Getting a firsthand look at
absenteeism and restores confidence amongwhat is going on in your children's classrooms will
parents in their children's education.help you stay informed about what they are
"Children need parents who have an interest inlearning at school.
what's going on in the classroom," said Reg*Join the PTA or other parent group. Go to
Weaver, president of the National Educationschool events, such as back-to-school night. As a
Association. "Parents must do everything they cangroup, parents can help schools reach their goals.
to get their children fully engaged at school,*Pay attention to what your children are learning
reinforce their learning at home and develop aat school. Be aware of what they need to know
strong relationship with their teachers."to meet the standards set for their grade level.
NEA, the nation's largest educators organization,*Contact the school if you have any concerns.
offers the following tips for parents on how theyParental involvement also means reading to your
can ensure a successful educational experiencechildren, checking homework every night, limiting
for their children:television viewing on school nights or simply asking
*Go to parent-teacher conferences. If the schoolyour children about their school day.
doesn't have them, set aside a time to meet with"Whatever your level of involvement, do it
your children's teachers. Ask how your childrenconsistently and regularly because it will make an
are doing and review their work. Let the teachersimportant difference in your children's lives,"
know how and when it is best to reach you.Weaver said.
Finally, ask how you can support your children's