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Health & Fitness

Parents Involved in Education Does Matter

Parent empowerment,the importance of involvement, and teamwork with educators.

“In these days, it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to succeed in life if he is denied the opportunity of an education.” Brown v. Board of Education, 347 U.S. 483 (1954)

It is worthwhile to take note of the date of the quote above. It is from 1954. 

It is no secret that education is possibly the most important aspect of our lives, the best foundation for leveling the proverbial playing field in the greater scheme of things.

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It is amazing that today, in 2011, parents, students, and even educators are burnt out, tired, unaware of the laws in education, or even simply taking education matters for granted.

As mentioned in a previous post, ICAA has filed official complaints as an organization regarding students with disabilities being discriminated against when it comes to their education.

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But all students are being shortchanged or left behind in a variety of ways throughout American school systems.

It is not productive to point fingers and lay blame, nor are the problems so simple.

One answer is for parents to get informed, get empowered, and get involved in the education of their children.

It may sound repetitive to some, but parent involvement is often the key to children’s overall success in life, especially their education.

And all students have the right, and the need to learn. All children have the potential to learn.

The very term, "parent involvement" scares some people.

Many parents are working long hours, sometimes two jobs, job hunting, hurting financially, or struggling with other challenges.

The thought of getting more involved with their children's school lives sounds overwhelming.

School is not daycare for children.

School, your children’s opportunity to learn and grow.

It is a protected right in this country, that all children are able to access education.

But it can also be a time of "falling behind.”

It is up to parents first and foremost to learn what is going on at school.

What is your child's schedule? What are his or her strengths and weaknesses? What are some simple ways you can help them at home to prepare for tests or book reports?

The best thing to do is to make the most out of parent/teacher conferences, and to keep in touch with your child's teacher regarding homework, special projects or difficulties. Talking to your child is also crucial.

Here are a few simple tips for getting involved in easy but meaningful ways:

  1. Volunteer for a class field trip
  2. Make plans to attend your child's field day activities
  3. Volunteer for a class party
  4. Volunteer to help at the library or cafeteria
  5. Carve out some time to visit your child at school for lunch
  6. Volunteer to help at the playground
  7. Carpool with other parents
  8. Send periodic email to your child's teachers to check in and ask if there is any way to help out
  9. Ask for a copy of your child's schedule the first week of school
  10. Attend School Board meetings and PTO meetings
  11. No matter what, parents and educators alike should always "presume competence" from the children they are guiding.

Communication is the key to success and school is one area which the extra time and effort pays off for years to come. 

Dr. Paula Kluth, renowned for her work as an educator and an advocate for inclusive classrooms, offers a daily tip for educators and parents alike on her website.

There are more tips and information packets available at the ICAA HUB specifically for families with special needs. The address is 200 Crestwood Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63126.  The first annual Mind the Gap School Supply Drive will conclude on the 25th of August. Don't forget the Fox C-6 district resumes school on August 17th.

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