A Parents Quiz for Successful Children

As you practice being the most conscientious advocate for your child, you should also take into consideration being the school's most reliable and trustworthy partner in education. As you become more aware and involved in the school arena, you will indeed discover that you play a major role in the school's success in helping your child succeed. Your relationship with the school is one that is critical and requires your full attention, dedication and respect.

It is a proven fact that parents who are actively involved with their children's schools are likely to have children who achieve greater academic successes through years of schooling. Let's face it. Every parent's dream is to see his/her child succeed, witnessing the child's greatest potentials. Each parent has a dream of success for his/her child. Realizing this dream is as easy as being an educational partner for the child and the school.

1. My job/career: I work
a - work 9-5 hours a day
b - on my own (self employed)
c - work at night
d - have flexible time; am a stay-at-home parent

2. When I volunteer, I prefer to work:
a - alone
b - with children
c - with other adults
d - with teachers, principal and administrators

3. I prefer to do volunteer work:
a - at my home
b - at my home and office
c - at my home, my office and school
d - at my home, office, school and out in the community

4. I like to sit in, observe and work in the:
a - classroom
b - school office
c - school board meetings
d - state board meetings

5. I feel comfortable working with:
a - children
b - teachers and other school staff
c - principals and school superintendents
d - state officials

6.My knowledge in school issues, curriculum, state laws and by-laws is:
a - very limited
b - average
c - above average
d - excellent

7. My comfort level when it comes to speaking in public is:
a - very low
b - okay but would like to avoid it
c - average
d - high

If the majority of your answers fall in a certain category, your parental level of involvement is stated below.

(a) Category: Your contribution is much needed in your child's life and in his classroom. Talk to your child during meals everyday. Read with your child. Take time to listen to your child. Also, contact your child's teacher and find out if he/she needs any practical items from your home. You can also offer to help out with simple tasks. Remember, every bit of your help can go a long way.

(b) Category: The school definitely needs parents like you. Your innovation in helping out at home or at school is more than welcome. You can start getting involved by not only calling your child's teacher for practical ways to help in the classroom, you can also call the school office or the parent/teacher organization (example: PTA) to find out how you can volunteer in upcoming school events. Jot down the dates and times of the set meetings and plan on attending them. You will be put to work in no time and will start feeling the fulfillment of being able to make a difference.

(c) Category: Your great interest in curriculum, activities, fundraising and school regulations can quickly put you to work. The school needs more people like you. Your personality invites you to work alongside key board members and administrators. You will enjoy contributing your time and ideas at this level. Some of the work involved here is hard, but also very rewarding.

(d) Category: Your bold and zealous personality and your vast knowledge in the school issues, regulations, standards and legalities can be put to use here. Your ability to become a public speaker is a unique aspect and many parents, administrators, school board and state board members will look forward to working side by side with you. You will make a great difference. It is such hard work but every bit of it is worth it.

Many parents hesitate to get involved in this vital partnership. Some of them think that they are not qualified to be in this crucial relationship due to their lack of education, economic standing and their inability to communicate due to language barriers. What all parents should know is that these factors aren't as critical as the first rule of thumb in an educational partnership: Parental involvement begins at home.