Below are some quick and easy tips from Education Minnesota to help you as a parent support your children and develop a partnership with your school - to give our students the best chance at academic success.

Why is family involvement important?
When parents or other family members are involved in a child's education, the kids do better in school, showing higher student achievement, reduced absenteeism and increased participation. Parental involvement is truly the great equalizer. We know that a home environment that encourages learning has a bigger impact on student achievement than income, education level or cultural background.

How much time will it take?
Our lives are busy and every family has a different amount of time they can spend on school involvement. But whatever you can offer to your child will make an important difference in his or her school experience.

Parent tips

• Ask your child about his or her day and make sure to ask questions that get past the "it was ok" answer.
• Show by example that school is a priority. Set a family quiet time when you and your children can work together, read, do art projects, etc.
• Help your child with homework at night but don't do the work for them. Help them discover the answer, show them processes to solve problems and ask them questions to help them get to the answer on their own.
• Set up a quiet, comfortable study area. This doesn't have to be a separate room - just a well-lit area dedicated to studying and academic work.
• Keep in regular contact with school. Discuss your children's progress with teachers - both at conferences and throughout the year. Find out how you can support your child at home, and what their strengths and areas of improvement are.
• Make sure children go to school well-rested and fed, which is proven to help them perform better academically.
• Attend your child's school events to show them you support their interests.
• Keep yourself up-to-date on new things happening at the school. This helps you talk to your child, take advantage of all opportunities open to them and identify any new rules that may impact them.