WHY GET INVOLVED?

Research reveals many benefits when parents are involved in their child's education, including:

• Higher grades and test scores;

• Better attitudes and behavior;

• Better school attendance;

• More homework completed;

• Less chance of placement in special education;

• Greater likelihood of graduating from high school; and

• Better chance of enrolling in college

Showing an interest in your child's education, setting high expectations for achievement and letting your child know you believe in his or her abilities sets a positive foundation for growth and achievement.

(America's Career Resource Network)

Be Informed

• Know the H.S. Graduation Requirements. Help your student monitor progress.

• Know college/university/technical school entrance requirements.

• Go online and check out the college web sites for entrance requirements.

• Encourage your student to take rigorous courses and electives that match their interests.

Be Interested

• Be available to talk to your student. Initiate the conversation. Talk about educational and career goals.

• Make and communicate decisions that affirm the importance of developing educational goals that are consistent with career interests.

Communicate

• Help students understand that planning is necessary to achieve educational and career goals.

• Tolerate some ambiguity but discuss and make decisions on the basis of "best and current" information. If you don't know, ask someone who does.

Be Proactive

• Take the initiative to involve yourself in the school's educational planning and course selection process.

• Know how to contact and request counseling and guidance. Ask questions.

• Monitor student's academic progress regularly.

• Keep in contact with teachers about your student's progress.