The issue of how to improve the country's public schools seems like a never-ending debate held at national, state and local levels. From congressional acts to voucher proposals to new learning systems, every politician and educational specialist claims to have the answer. But Linda Hodge, president of the National PTA (Parent-Teacher Association), has one simple suggestion for parents: Get involved.
According to Hodge, more than 85 studies show that a myriad of benefits result when moms and dads get involved: Kids get better grades, have higher self-esteem, boast higher graduation rates and post-secondary education attendance
Happily, these benefits are reaped no matter how much you're able to do, as long as you're doing something, says Hodge. And, she adds, the benefits extend to the whole school
Here are some ways she suggests any parent
Start at home: Asking your children who their friends are, knowing what's gone on during the day at school and being aware of the homework that's been assigned may seem obvious, but, says Hodge, these things matter. She also emphasizes making time to go to your child's parent-teacher conferences
Look for small ways to contribute: You don't have to chair the largest school fundraiser to be "involved." There are many levels of participation, says Hodge. "Someone who has 10 minutes to give is just as important as someone who can devote 23 hours a day to the school." You can look for one-day ways to contribute, such as volunteering at the school fair on a weekend or taking a morning off from work to talk to your child's class about your career.
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