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***image1***A study conducted by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory shows that students with involved parents, no matter their income or background, have a greater chance to succeed in school and in life. Students are more likely to:
• Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs
• Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits
• Attend school regularly
• Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school
• Graduate and go on to post-secondary education.
The study, A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement, is available online at www.sedl.org/connections/resources/evidence.pdf
According to the study, students do better in school when parents talk about what is happening and clearly communicate expectations. When schools and parents develop intentional partnerships, students make significant gains. U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s Strategic Plan on Dependent Education supports these partnerships, giving military members, civilians, and units time away from the duty site to volunteer in school, attend council meetings, and other school activities. The plan also states that parent-teacher conferences are the place of duty.
Here are some practical tips.
1. Be present. Every USAFE school operates a School Advisory Council. At locations with more than one school, a School Advisory Board also convenes. The goal of these meetings is to develop partnerships between the community and schools, to empower parents to be involved in their children’s education, and to advocate for change.
Master Sgt. Kathy Hoffman, a parent representative on the Aviano SAB, can’t think of a better way to be involved than attending SAB meetings.
“It has been beneficial to hear the different views of the teachers, parents, and administrators,” she said. “It has kept me better informed on issues facing our schools,” she said.
SACs and SABs help to hold schools accountable. Chief Master Sgt. David Westwood, the vice president of the Kaiserslautern SAB, believes parental involvement is key to improving our schools.
“If you want to make a difference in your child’s education, get involved,” he said. “The last thing we need is a complainer; we need parents who want to be part of the solution. Change is not going to happen on its own; it’s going to take the involvement of everyone.”
Parents can contact their installation’s School Liaison Office for the dates and times for SAC and SAB meetings and if they are interested in volunteering to serve in an official capacity.
2. Be aware. Parental attendance at parent teacher conferences speaks volumes to your student and his or her teacher. Conferences provide the opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss expectations and monitor student success – at home and in school. Research shows that programs and interventions, that engage parents in supporting their children’s learning at home, are linked to higher student achievement.
Deborah Madden, mother of two, makes attending parent-teacher conferences a priority.
“Attending these conferences always gives me tremendous insight into the day-to-day activities of my kids,” she said.
Becoming familiar with course standards is another way for parents to be aware. Department of Defense Dependents Schools – Europe curriculum guides, test scores, and policies directly impacting students can be accessed at www.eu.dodea.edu.
3. Get involved. Schools depend on volunteers and mentors. Students make greater gains when people and units volunteer their time. Volunteers benefit as well. Staff Sgt. Jennifer Parker, an Airman who helps out annually with school exams, knows first-hand the benefits from volunteering.
“Not having kids of my own, I like to be involved in the community,” she said. “Volunteering in the school and helping students learn about their health gives me the feeling of being part of the bigger picture.”
For more information on school volunteer opportunities or if your unit would like to sponsor a classroom, contact your School Liaison Office or Airman and Family Readiness Center.
