Making the Home-School Connection

October 30, 1998

Greensboro, NC: Parents are a vital link between home and school, says a Cooperative Extension specialist. And they must take steps to ensure that this link is strong.

"Parents who realize that home and school must work together in the best interest of the child should evaluate themselves to make sure that they are doing their part to make that happen," says Jean Baldwin, family life and human development specialist with North Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program. "It is in the best interest of children when both home and school environments support learning."

According to Baldwin, parents are wise to establish a relationship with their child's teacher and school before a problem occurs.

"Regular parent-teacher conferences are a valuable means to monitor the progress that your child is making in school," says Baldwin. "Conferences can also head off any potential problems before they become unmanageable.

Baldwin offers the following suggestions for parents wishing to capitalize on the opportunities provided by parent-teacher conferences:

• Talk with your child about school on a regular basis. Find out if there are any problems or concerns, or if special assistance is needed.
  
• Plan your questions before meeting with a teacher, and seek answers to your most vital questions first. You might want to ask about your child's strengths and weaknesses, and what you can do at home to reinforce lessons being taught at school.

Parent-teacher conferences are a good time to provide information as well as get information, says Baldwin. For example, if there is a special family situation such as an illness or the birth of a sibling that may affect the child's behavior or school performance, it would be helpful for the teacher to know. Baldwin notes that parents don't need to give any personal details about the situation, but just enough to let the teacher know that your child may need a little special attention, patience, or encouragement.

Although face-to-face conferences are best, Baldwin suggests that parents consider using e-mail, voice mail, telephone conferences, newsletters, and even written messages carried between home and school by the child, when face-to-face meetings aren't possible.

In addition to meeting with teachers, parents also can contribute to the development of their child by being involved in school organizations and activities.

"At school, volunteer when possible, and take an active part in the PTA at your child's school," says Baldwin. "Such activities will help parents feel more in touch with the environment in which their children spend a large part of their time."

Since scheduling conflicts often arise when working parents want to become involved in their child's education, Baldwin suggests that these parents contact their child's school to find ways that they can actively be involved in their children's education, when their schedules prevent them from participating in formal meetings, visits, or events held at the school.

"Don't allow yourself to be intimidated by the school setting or the fact that your schedule keeps you from some events and activities," says Baldwin. "Most teachers, especially those who are parents too, appreciate your interest and welcome the opportunity to talk with you."

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For more information, please contact Jean Baldwin, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7596.