Parents are PowerfulWorcester Adult Learning CenterWorcester Public Schools2012

Workshop OverviewWhat is parent involvement and

why is it important?

What can parents do to get more involved in their children’s education?

YOU make a BIG Difference!Helps your child:1. Higher grades2. Better attendance and

homework completion3. Fewer behavior problems4. Higher graduation rate!

YOU make a BIG Difference! Benefits for the schools:1. Improved teacher morale!

Happier teachers!! 2. Improved school climate! 3. Better reputations in the

community!4. Everyone works together!

It’s never too Early or Too Late! Begin early to know and support

your child’s development. Become familiar with participate

in your child's early childhood programs.

Use different strategies to become involved as your child grows!

Time at home with your child is Valuable!!

Have high expectations.

Praise your child’s accomplishments.

READ as a Family!

Have a quiet place to study.

Stay involved with education.

YOUR RIGHTS! Access information about your

child’s school.Provide input about your child’s

education. Participate in decision making at

your child’s school.

Massachusetts Standards: Curriculum Frameworks

MathematicsScience &

Technology/Engineering

History & Social Science

English Language Arts

World LanguagesHealthArt

What is “MCAS?”MCAS stands for:

MassachusettsComprehensiveAssessmentSystem

Who takes them? ALL students in MA public schools must take the MCAS.

General EducationSpecial Education English Language

Learners

MCAS Tests Students in: MathematicsEnglish Language Arts (ELA)Science and Technology/

EngineeringTo earn a High School Diploma, students MUST: Score a minimum of 240(Proficiency) on ELA and Math

MCAS Tests. OR

Score a minimum of 220 (Needs Improvement) on ELA and Math MCAS tests AND complete an Educational Proficiency Plan (EPP).

AND Score 220 on one high school Science &

Technology/Engineering MCAS test.

3 Report Cards??? YES! 1. Student Report Card-

information about your child’s classroom performance.

2. MCAS Parent/Guardian Report- how did you child perform on the MCAS?

3. School Report Card- report on the SCHOOL’S Performance in teaching all children!

BE INVOLVED!

At Home….. They are watching YOU!

Make sure your child goes to school everyday!

Good Study habits!LIMIT and SUPERVISE

“Screen Time”. Go to the LIBRARY! READ with them,

listen to the read to you!

TALK and ASK questions!!

Be a role model by reading regularly.

Review their homework at a scheduled time each night.

PRAISE them for a good job!!

Use daily activities to find ways to teach them!

Get involved with the SCHOOL!Talk to your

child’s teacher OFTEN!

Attend parent-teacher conferences.

ASK Questions! Join the school

council.Get to know your

child’s friends!

Parent’s Frequently Asked Questions about Education

WHAT CAN I DO IF I DON’T UNDERSTAND

MY CHILD’S HOMEWORK?

It’s okay!!

Provide support and structure at your home so your child can do their homework.

Look for neatness and completenessTALK TO THE TEACHER! Tell the teacher you are trying to help at

home, but need more support! Attend family events at the school, like

Math Nights.

My Child scores in the Warning Range on MCAS!Ask the teacher to provide

information about your child’s strengths and weaknesses!

Ask the teacher what you can do at home for extra support for your child.

Ask for tutoring, after school help or summer support for your child.

What if my child needs special help? Talk with the teacher! Seek help from the specialists at

school, e.g., reading teacher, counselor.

If your child is not in the right program ASK for a change!

Ask for extra tutoring programs before or after school.

If more help is needed, consider begining evaluations under Special Education.

My child is just learning English…Your child must receive quality

education, by a highly qualified teacher.

Must learn English and other subjects at the same academic levels as all other students.

You must receive information regarding your child’s performance in the language YOU best understand.

What about Immigration Status?

Students without documentation have the right to attend public elementary and high schools.

Public Schools may NOT:1. Deny admission to a student based on an

undocumented status. 2. Require students or parents to disclose

their immigration status. 3. Require social security numbers to be

admitted to school.

We don’t have a home… but YOU still have rights!! Attend school, including public preschool.Continue in the school they last attended. Receive transportation to school and school

programs.Participate in a school programs with all

other children.Enroll without giving a permanent address. Attend classes immediately.Receive the same support and services as

other students. Obtain free lunch (and breakfast, if offered).

Three Points to Remember!

Your children have the right to a good education. And you have the rights to see that they get it.

Educators may be experts in how to teach, but YOU are experts about your own children.

Your children NEED YOU to stay involved all the way through high school!

YOU are the most important person in your children’s lives. No one will have a bigger impact on whether they do well- in school and through life! And no one cares more about them than you do!!

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Only with your guidance and involvement will your children

learn all they need to succeed in the future!