3 ways parents can become more involved in their kids’ educations

The dawn of a new school year provides a host of opportunities for students and their families. Students begin a new school year with a clean slate, while their parents can look at the start of the school year as an opportunity to take active roles in their children’s education. Parents who pursue that opportunity can have a profound im­pact on their youngsters’ academic success.

According to an analysis from the National Cen­ter for Family and Community Connections with Schools, students perform better in the classroom and enroll in more advanced classes when schools and parents work together. Parents who want to take a more active role in their children’s educa­tions can consider these three simple means to doing just that.

1. Help children establish academic goals.

The National Education Association notes that the most significant type of parental involvement is what moms and dads do at home. Before a new school year begins, parents can discuss academic goals with their children. Be as specific as possible when estab­lishing goals so kids have some­thing definitive to work toward during the school year.

2. Foster a strong learning en­vironment at home.

Numerous studies have high­lighted the effects that strong home learning environments can have on students. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that something as simple as playing games with num­bers with children can improve young students’ ability to under­stand and work with numbers. Continuing to foster that same environment as students con­tinue their educations is equally beneficial. Establish quiet hours after school so kids can concen­trate on their homework free from distractions. When kids ask for help, offer it promptly. Such a response sends the mes­sage to students that school is of the utmost importance.

3. Become more involved at school.

Of course, it’s not just what parents do at home that can have a profound impact on their children’s educations. If possi­ble, take an active role at school as well as at home. Get involved with parent-teacher organiza­tions and/or offer to assist with extracurricular activities. Parents also can attend board of education meetings to learn about the happenings in their children’s school district. Such meetings typically provide parents with an opportunity to comment publicly on any issues they feel are important, provid­ing a great channel for parents to communicate directly with decision-makers.

Parents can take various steps to be more active in their chil­dren’s educations, which can benefit students in myriad ways.