What parents can do
President Barack Obama told Essence Magazine that parents can help their school aged children in many ways. First of all he said that parents should not allow their kids to watch TV during school nights, stay in touch with your children's teachers, set expectations regarding education with children, read to them, and monitor their activities. These are all good things to do to support student achievement. And the President acknowledged that most families don't have the resources that he has - but most families can do simple things that don't require lots of money to help their children.
Regulate TV time
The President said that he and Michelle don't allow their daughters (Malia & Sasha) to watch TV during school nights, and that they start homework as soon as they get home. He said that if they don't finish by dinner time - the girls can continue afterwards, and bedtime is 9:00p.m. This practice does not require money, but does require commitment, and discipline from both children, and parents.
Stay in touch with teachers
This is probably one of the most important things you can do to help your child. Staying in touch with teachers via telephone, notes, e-mail, conferences, etc., makes it easier to address academic problems, and/or promote academic success. Obama said that even with his busy schedule as President - he has not missed a parent teacher conference yet. And although the scheduled parent teacher conference is always good to go to - parents whose students have performance or behavior problems should schedule a one-on-one conference with the teacher and/or counselor to discuss what can be done.
Set educational expectations
Students must take responsibility (beyond primary grades) to wake up and get to school on time, give their best effort in class, and complete their homework. But parents should be expected to provide support where they can also. Younger children need to be taken to school by parents/guardians, and older children need parents to oftentimes support them with special projects, materials, supplies, transportation etc. whenever possible. And when the parent can't provide such support he/she should seek someone who can.
Read! Read! Read!
Reading is the foundation to learning. Reading is involved in every subject in school. Name the class or subject, and you'll find the written word through out. Reading increases vocabulary, improves spelling, grammar, speech, and helps students better understand complex ideas. If a student is not reading at grade level - more than likely the student is having problems in other subjects as well. Check with your child's teacher, counselor, or within the community for resources.
Monitor
Once your child is on track academically, the best way to keep them there is by monitoring. Have regular talks with your child (at least weekly) about school, and personal issues. Set goals, and plans to achieve them. Monitor your child to show them that you are committed to ensuring their personal, and academic success. And finally, don't forget to celebrate the little successes along the way - for a job well done.
The President's interview with Essence Magazine hits newsstands nationwide this week!
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Comments
President and Mrs. Obama's time with their daughters would be better spent doing anything but homework. Research shows that there's no correlation between homework and academic achievement in elementary school; in middle school, there's only a slight correlation and that's generally between homework and course grades. I urge both the President and Mrs. Obama to do a little research of their own on homework (I sent Mrs. Obama a copy of my book, The Case Against Homework) and speak out against a practice that isn't grounded in any sound educational research, but that takes time away from activities that foster a love of learning and educational inquiry. If kids did less homework, they'd read more, pursue their passions, play, eat dinner with their families, and get more exercise. If kids ran around after school rather than carrying home heavy backpacks filled with worksheets, we'd see less obesity, fewer back problems, and more students prepared for the skills needed in the 21st century
I agree most homework assignments don't advance student's learning. However the proper homework assignment can benefit both student and parent. For example; an assignment relating to social studies could involve sharing family history together, and having kids understand household finances could help them with math, etc. So, I believe the homework is more beneficial when it applies real life situations to school work.
We look forward to reading the interview with President Obama and are grateful for the President and First Lady's efforts to draw attention to the importance of parenting and increasing support to parents. Parenting is likely the most important role any adult will have. Devoting time and resources to supporting parents is a priority for each of us and our nation.
- Sharon Soldenwagner, Outreach Coordinator, Parent Coaching Institute (PCI), www.thepci.org
Parents are responsible for their children's education. This hands on President's words of wisdom should be followed to the letter. Great article.
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