Step Up This School Year!

Parental Involvement for the New School Year

By Raymond and Eileen Huntington

Different people may have very different ideas about what it takes to be "involved" in their children's schooling. Parents of self-motivated, high-achieving students, for example, may only need to check homework and review report cards to be assured their children are on track. In contrast, parents of children who need stronger organization skills and remedial work need to be more vigilant in ensuring their children receive extra support and attention.

For both types of parents (and those in between), the fall marks a good vantage point for mapping out the key dates and practices that will mark and support student achievement in the year to come. Here is a checklist of steps to keep in mind.

In most communities, the last few days of August bring new friends, new teachers and everything else that goes with the new school year. But by the early fall, many school districts are already administering important tests to gauge students' preparedness for the months ahead.

By going to the Department of Education Web site for your state, you can usually find out which tests will be given to students by grade level, and when. You can find out the key subject matter that will be tested and when you should expect to see your child's results.

Keep in mind that these tests are not given simply to see how your child "measures up." They're offered as a diagnostic tool for revealing academic strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these strengths and weaknesses in the fall will help you and your child prepare for the higher-stakes tests given in the spring – the results of which may be factored into decisions about grade advancement and graduation.

Want to see more?

• The Main Idea: Smart Studying for Academic Success
• Reading Between the Lines: 10 Signs Your Child May Need a Tutor
• Get Involved – It's Worth It! Building a Strong Relationship With Your Child's School
• Talk about it!