Top Ten Things Teachers Wish Parents Would Do

From the National PTA

• Be involved. Parent involvement helps students learn, improves schools, and helps teachers work with you to help your children succeed.
• Provide resources at home for learning. Utilize your local library, and have books and magazines available in your home. Read with your children each day.
• Set a good example. Show your children by your own actions that you believe reading is both enjoyable and useful. Monitor television viewing and the use of videos and game systems.
• Encourage students to do their best in school. Show your children that you believe education is important and that you want them to do their best.
• Value education and seek a balance between schoolwork and outside activities. Emphasize your children's progress in developing the knowledge and skills they need to be successful both in school and in life.
• Recognize factors that take a toll on students' classroom performance :

Consider the possible negative effects of long hours at after-school jobs or in extracurricular activities.

Work with your children to help them maintain a balance between school responsibilities and outside commitments.

View drinking and excessive partying as serious matters. While most parents are concerned about drug abuse, many fail to recognize that alcohol, over-the-counter drugs, and common substances used as inhalants are more frequently abused than illegal drugs.

• Support school rules and goals. Take care not to undermine school rules, discipline, or goals.
• Use pressure positively. Encourage children to do their best, but don't pressure them by setting goals too high or by scheduling too many activities.
• Call teachers early if you think there's a problem while there is still time to solve it. Don't wait for teachers to call you.
• Accept your responsibility as parents. Don't expect the school and teachers to take over your obligations as parents. Teach children self-discipline and respect for others at home -- don't rely on teachers and schools to teach these basic behaviors and attitudes.