“When families are involved at home and at school, children do better in school, and the schools get better.”
Anne T. Henderson, Annenberg Institute for School Reform, at a U.S. Senate Hearing on NCLB, March 29, 2007.
Complete version of Ms. Henderson’s testimony
Did you know?
Researchers have found that families of all cultural backgrounds, education, and income levels can and do have a positive impact on their children’s learning. Families help their children learn at home by encouraging them, talking with them about school, helping them focus on school and homework, and helping them plan for higher education. Families also have a powerful impact on their children’s learning by building strong partnerships with their children’s schools.
Massachusetts PIRC has developed materials and resources that offer concrete tips and examples to help families help their children succeed in school. Most Massachusetts PIRC publications are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Helping at Home
Of all the ways families can be involved in their children’s learning, family involvement in children’s learning at home has the biggest effect on student achievement. To the right are links to some resources to help at home.
Bulletin: Choosing a School for Your Child (2006) lays out four steps for choosing a school, provides tips on accessing school choice under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and on NCLB school report cards, and gives details for how to gather information about schools and what to look for on a school visit. Available in English, Spanish or Portuguese
Parents' PLACE Pointers: Public School Choice Under NCLB explains public school choice NCLB, discusses the importance of AYP in school choice, and other significant aspects of the law that can help families make informed decisions about where their children attend school. Available in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
Bulletin: Helping with Homework (2005) gives practical suggestions for how parents, family members, and others can help students with homework. Mainly geared towards elementary and middle schools, although many suggestions of how to set up a supportive environment apply to students of all ages. This issue also gives an overview of important new options for parents under NCLB. English, Spanish or Portuguese
Bulletin: How to Help with Homework (2004). Helping with homework is one of the most important ways parents can help their children succeed in school. These tips can help homework time go more smoothly. English, Spanish or Portuguese
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
U.S. Department of Education:
• Helping Your Child With Homework: English or Spanish
• FREE (Federal Resources for Educational Excellence) A popular K-12 website, FREE has thousands of great resources from dozens of federal agencies in all academic subject areas. Click on a subject area and a grade level and you’re sure to find something that can help shed light on a homework area of interest.
Pointers: Working with Your School is designed to help families understand their school system and gives strategies families can use to support their children in school. English, Spanish, or Portuguese
Bulletin: Parent-Teacher Relationships (2003) No matter the age or grade of your children, building good relationships with teachers is vital. In addition to practical advice on how to build partnerships, this Bulletin reviews the No Child Left Behind Act, and describes the NCLB requirement for “Highly Qualified Teachers.” English, Spanish or Portuguese
Bulletin: Making the Most of Parent-Teacher Conferences (pps. 2 & 3) and Developing Strong Study Habits (pps. 1 & 4) (2001). The first article suggests ideas for parents to consider before, during, and after parent-teacher conferences, including specific questions to ask at the conferences. The second article focuses on seven ways to help children develop strong study habits. English, Spanish or Portuguese
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education has developed a series of booklets for parents covering many of the ways parents can help their children at home.
• Helping Your Child Series These booklets are full of practical suggestions for helping your school age and preschool children with learning in reading, science, math and other subject areas.
• A Challenging High School Education For All
• School Success for Your Child
• You and Your Elementary School-Aged Child