Education: Parents Are Best Resource For Ensuring Student Success

Parent-teacher communication is key to student success.

To maximize their child's educational experience, parents should go back to school. But don't dust off the book covers and No. 2 pencils just yet. This experience only requires learning the ABCs of parental involvement - specifically, opening the lines of communication through parent-teacher conferences.

"We know parents are busy, but it is important to carve out time to invest in your child's education and ensure success at school," said National Education Association President Reg Weaver. "To get the most out of parent-teacher conferences, parents need to take an active role in their child's education year-round and come prepared to discuss how their child can reach his full potential."

NEA, representing 3.2 million educators, offers the following tips for getting the most out of parent-teacher conferences:

Get ready

Do your homework prior to parent-teacher conferences. Prepare by writing notes to yourself concerning:

* Any questions about the school's programs or policies.

* Things you can share with the teacher about your child and his life at home.

* Questions about your child's progress.

Ask important questions

Don't be afraid to engage in a frank conversation with your child's teacher. Your goal is to develop an action plan for your child's success at school.

Good questions to ask the teacher include the following:

* What are my child's strengths and weaknesses?

* How does my child get along with classmates?

* Is my child working up to his ability? Where could he use improvement?

* What can we do at home to support what you are doing in the classroom?

Initiate the action plan

Start immediately on the action plan you and the teacher put together. Discuss the plan with your child and track his progress.

Stay in touch with your child's teacher throughout the year with regularly scheduled "report card" conferences that can keep the communication lines open.

"Parents are the best resource for a child to make the grade," Weaver said. "When teachers and parents work together, we can help a child have a successful school year."

For more information and tips, visit www.nea.org/aew.

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Education: Parents Are Best Resource For Ensuring Student Success

To maximize their child's educational experience, parents should go back to school. But don't dust off the book covers and No. 2 pencils just yet. This experience only requires learning the ABCs of parental involvement - specifically, opening the lines of communication through parent-teacher conferences.