According to the Michigan Department of Education, research has shown that students whose parents are actively involved in their education have higher test scores, a higher chance of graduation, better attendance, and less of a chance of being involved in drugs, alcohol and school-related violence. Between the task of raising and providing for a family it can often be difficult for a parent to get involved in their child's education, but it is important to do so. Not every parent has the time to volunteer in their child's school as often as they might like, but the small things matter too. Find small ways to get involved in your child's education and increase their chances of a successful academic career.
Spend Time at Their School
Kathy Hoover-Dempsey, associate professor of psychology at Vanderbilt University recommends volunteering in your child's school in a place where your child can actually see you. "The idea that 'My parent is at school, my parent cares about me,' is so valuable," she says regarding parent involvement. Volunteer to chaperon school field trips, lead the class in an arts and crafts project, or help the teacher with the lesson. Even if you can only volunteer a few hours a month or even a year, doing so can let your child know that you care about their education enough to go to school with him every once in a while.
Help Them With Homework
Being involved in your child's education doesn't always have to involve setting foot in their school. You can make a huge difference in your child's academic success by showing support and interest in their schoolwork. According to EducationWorld.com, the amount of homework children are given to complete is getting higher and higher, and children are not getting the type of help with their schoolwork at home they used to.
To combat this, set aside a block of time to help your child with her homework. If she doesn't need help, talk to her about what she is learning and make yourself available. Knowing that you are keeping an eye on her academic progress can incite them to want to do better and help her stay on track with studies into the future.
Monitor Academic Progress
Another way to get involved in your child's education is to set standards and monitor his academic progress. Request frequent progress reports and write notes to your child's teachers to discuss issues or problems your child may be having with his learning material. With the ever-growing teacher shortage, educators have less and less time to pay to the progress of individual students, so it is up to the parents to help make sure their child is noticed by his teacher and receives the best education possible.
Take the time to find out what your child's easiest and most troublesome subjects are, so you can help him find the assistance he needs to excel.
