WHY BE INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION?

BECAUSE "when schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but throughout life." (Anne Henderson, 1994. A New Generation of Evidence: The Family is Critical to Student Achievement.)

BECAUSE studies have documented these benefits for students:

• Higher grades and test scores
• Better attendance and more homework done
• Fewer placements in special education
• More positive attitudes and behaviour
• Higher graduation rates
• Greater enrollment in postsecondary education

BECAUSE families benefit too.

BECAUSE schools and communities also profit. Schools that work well with families have:

• Improved teacher morale
• Higher ratings of teachers by parents
• More support from families
• Higher student achievement
• Better reputations in the community

BECAUSE acquaintances with parents makes possible a more intelligent understanding by the teacher of the children's needs, potentialities and limitations.

BECAUSE parents and teachers engaged in a common enterprise will work better and accomplish more when they know each other well.

BECAUSE parents share with teachers the responsibility for their child's progress in school, and need to be in close communication with the school.

HOW? Monitor homework, get to know your child's teacher and principal, attend student performances and other events, volunteer to help out at the school, join the Home & School or serve on the school council or school committees ... the choice is yours!!

• Parents develop more confidence in the school.
• The teachers they work with have higher opinions of them as parents and higher expectations of their children.
• When parents become involved in their children's education, they often enroll in classes to continue their own education.