Such materials can dispel mystery, providing a quick gauge of how a child measures up. Educators suggest that parents and children read to each other and talk about what they've just read. And of course, the basics of parenting are more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to improve schoolwork is to turn off the TV, stereo and computer games, put the telephone in another room, and give a child a quiet space to do homework. Long Beach Unified is working with a committee of middle school parents to boost family involvement and communication about standards.
Leaders put achievement first.
The recipe for successful reform includes the leadership of school principals, top administrators and a school district's board of education. Teaching to standards is an increasingly demanding and complex job. It requires teachers to support each other as a team. Principals and their department heads are working to help teachers focus on standards, providing the time, resources and collegial atmosphere needed to share techniques that are getting results for kids. Principals also must help parents understand and support their school's new focus on standards.