Children whose parents are involved in their education have a stronger foundation for success in school. Teachers can do a great deal to help parents participate in their children s education, but we need to work together and take responsibility for helping parents to find the time to be involved, communicate with teachers, and understand how they can best support good learning for their children. Through these partnerships, teachers can help parents reinforce the concept that education is important and that learning happens at home as well as at school. Administrators can offer important support for these efforts by establishing a school climate that is open and inviting. Teachers need the time to meet with parents.
Employers can provide time for parents to take part in the child s learning.
Developing Parent Literacy Programs Quality schools support learning for all parents included. Although teachers are experts in student learning, it is valuable for them to gain additional information that they can share with parents about the kinds of skills and activities that best support student success both at home and at school. Quality professional development for teachers that targets increased parental involvement is a worthwhile investment. Supporting Existing Programs That Already Work Several exciting programs that promote parental involvement are currently in place. Many schools around the state have partnered with community organizations to form Family Resource Centers, which provide a wide range of support and information to parents and their children.