Talking directly to teenagers about sex, drugs, and alcohol is one way to save their lives. By talking about the importance of these values, parents help their children learn to make good decisions. By acting on such values, parents serve as important role models to their children. Expect Achievement and Offer Praise. Parents need to set high standards for their children's schoolwork and to encourage the children to work hard to achieve those standards.
Families can make a difference by the things they do with the school as well.
Parents have a responsibility to encourage their children's school to offer and enroll students in a challenging sequence of courses in preparation for postsecondary education and a promising career. For students in special education, a strong transition plan can help them succeed in the world beyond school. Research shows that a comprehensive program of challenging courses, high standards, and career counseling will improve the likelihood that students will be academically successful. In addition, the integration of vocational and academic education appears to be a promising instructional strategy to help students understand abstract concepts through real-world situations. Keep in Touch With the School.