More than any other factor, parent and family involvement increases student achievement and success.

Research shows that when parents and families are involved, students have higher grades and test scores, better attendance, and higher graduation rates. According to the U.S. Department of Education, roughly one-half of students get A's when one or both parents are highly supportive, regardless of whether the child is in a single- or dual-parent home. They also exhibit more positive attitudes and better behavior.

To help schools and parents work together for student achievement, the Rochester City School District supports the following standards for parent/family involvement programs, established by the National PTA:

1. Communicating- Communication between home and school is ongoing, two-way, and meaningful.
   
2. Parenting-Parenting skills are promoted and supported.
   
3. Student learning-Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning.
   
4. Volunteering-Parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought.
   
5. School decision making and advocacy-Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children      and families.
   
6. Collaborating with community-Community resources are used to strengthen schools, families, and   student learning.

How Can I Support my Child's Education?

The following are characteristics of families whose children are doing well in school. You can adopt these in your own home to establish and maintain a home environment that reinforces learning and values:

Establish a daily routine - Provide time and a quiet place to study, assign responsibility for household chores, be firm about times to get up and go to bed, have dinner together.

Encourage children's development and progress in school - Maintain a supportive environment at home, show interest in your child's schoolwork, help with homework, stay in touch with teachers and school staff.

Encourage reading, writing, and discussion - Read to and with your children and discuss what is being read, tell stories and share problems, write letters, lists, and messages.

Monitor out-of-school activities - Set limits on T.V. watching, know your child's friends and be aware of their activities, arrange for after-school activities and supervised care.

Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work - Communicate with your child through questions and conversation, demonstrate that achievement comes from working hard, let your child see you reading and using the library.

Express high but realistic expectations for achievement - Set goals and standards that are appropriate for your child's age and ability, encourage special talents, inform friends and family of successes. School staff members across the nation say the single most important thing public schools need to help students learn is involved parents and families. Your child's school welcomes your involvement and can provide specific ways you can help at home and in school.

Parents who want to get involved in school decision making and advocacy in a more formal way can also join one of the many parent organizations in the District. These range from school-based groups such as PTAs/PTOs and School-Based Planning Teams to districtwide organizations such as the District Advisory Council to Title I (DACT), Bilingual Education Council, and District Parent Council.      

For more information on these and other parent involvement opportunities, contact your child's school or call the Office of Parent and Community Involvement at 262-8282.

How to Address Issues Involving your Child

If you have a concern about an issue that involves your child, begin by contacting the teacher. Most problems can be successfully resolved at the classroom level by parent and teacher working together.

If the issue goes beyond something the teacher can address, contact the school's main office to arrange an appointment with the principal. He or she is the instructional and administrative leader of the school and will work with you and your child's teacher to reach a solution that is fair to all.

Dealing with issues at the school level is the most efficient and direct way to resolve them and to ensure that the needs of parents and children are met. If you would like assistance, you may also contact the school's parent liaison, whose responsibility is to help and to advocate for parents and their children.

If concerns remain after meeting with the principal, call the District's Office of Parent and Community Involvement at 262-8282. The role of this department is to help parents work with the school system to reach a satisfactory conclusion to problems and issues.