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Back to School - Tools for Student Success
Students throughout our area are gearing up for another school year. And as they begin to report to class, it is important that we invest in a student's education to provide them with every opportunity to succeed.
Numerous factors contribute to a child's achievements in school, but research groups such as the Harvard Family Research Project agree that a child's success is closely related parental involvement. Research shows that when parents and teachers are in touch, children are more likely to do well in school. And when parents are heavily involved with schools, children's academic performance vastly improves.
Harvard Family Research Project suggests a number of ways that parents can get involved:
* Participate in shaping program policy by joining the PTA or a parent advisory board.
* Contact your child's school to find out if it needs volunteers for assemblies, lunchtime, field trips or during class time.
* Stay in contact with your child's teacher so there is an open line of communication regarding your child's performance in school
* Help at home by making yourself available when your child has a project or needs assistance with homework.
* Make the goals of the school your own goals by getting involved in fund-raisers and bake sales or help with school yearbooks and newspapers.
* Create a network of parents, so that you all are kept apprised of what is happening in the classroom.
It is also important to remember that learning is not something that happens exclusively within the walls of schools. Educational experiences can arise anywhere, and can be fun and informal. A few suggestions to promote a child's learning:
* Make reading an integral part of your home life.
* Prompt conversations about topics your child finds interesting and intriguing.
* Know what interests your children, and encourage them to explore those subjects.
* Provide a quiet and comfortable learning environment for your children.
* Seek out educational extracurricular programs Southeast Missouri offers and encourage your child to participate.
As you think about productive and beneficial ways for your child to succeed at school, you can visit http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Back_to_School.shtml for resources for students, parents, and educators in preparation for returning to school this fall.
Contact Me
As always, I appreciate hearing your comments, opinions, and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at (573) 751-2459. You may write to me at Jason Crowell; Missouri Senate; State Capitol; Jefferson City, MO 65101, or email me at: jcrowell@senate.mo.gov or visit me on the web at http://www.senate.mo.gov/crowell.
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