Article - Beyond Bakesales - 10 ways to get involved your child's schooling

[Guest guest]

Beyond Bakesales

By Sullivan

Disabled Parenting Today, Volume 2 Issue 1, September 1999

When the leaves start to turn and the morning air begins to have a sweet

crispness, I know that school is about to start. Children pack up their bags

with new school supplies and start getting up earlier after their summer

break.

Studies have shown that when parents are involved in their children's

education, children have higher achievement and self-esteem. Parents are

children's first teachers and are an important member of the teaching team

even after a child begins formal schooling. Teachers are learning that

parental involvement in school not only helps the students but also helps

them. Parents are intimately aware of a child's likes, dislikes, needs and

goals. These insights can be used to tailor a education plan that meets the

needs of the child.

In the US, parental involvement is being legislated at a federal and state

level. Schools have to involve parents in decision making to receive funds.

In Canada, many provinces are implementing programs to increase parental

involvement.

So, how can you be involved in your child's education? While parents with

disabilities face similar challenges as other parents, they also have to

overcome obstacles such as accessibility and stereotypes. But these

obstacles can be overcome and used as a way to increase awareness of the

needs of disabled people.

* Reading, from infancy on, prepares your child for reading and develops a

love of books and learning. Many libraries offer children's books with

braille for visually impaired parents. Also, books on tape are very popular

and children love to follow along with the book.

* Visit your child's school before the school year begins. This way you can

meet the teacher and principal. If there are any accessibility issues, now

is the time to address them. If you have special communication needs,

explain them to the staff and develop an action plan. Some possible

strategies are:

* Visually impaired parents will find it difficult to read the many written

notices, report cards, newsletters and letters that come home sometimes

daily from school. Arrange for the staff or volunteer parent to call you

with important information. A parent-teacher conference may be the best way

to review report cards.

* Deaf or hard of hearing parents need to insure that either an interpreter

is available for parent-teacher meetings or that everything is put down in

writing. Many schools are fully integrated now so there may be someone on

staff who is fluent in sign language.

Parents with learning difficulties or developmental delays can discuss their

needs with the teacher and set up a system that helps them be active in

their children's education. The teacher could help organize a schedule for

homework and special school activities. If reading is a challenge encourage

telephone calls or meetings with the teacher to discuss how things are

going.

* If the school is not accessible for you (hard to believe but some older

schools are not always accessible) and changes are not going to made

immediately then investigate moving your child to a more accessible school.

* Join the Parent-Teacher Association and if there isn't one then start one.

This way you can take an active role in developing programs and activities

for the school. Many schools are becoming community schools and a parent

representative participates even in the hiring of staff.

* Volunteer in your child's classroom, library, lunchroom, gym, schoolyard

or on field trips. This is a good way to get to know your child's friends

and the staff at the school. An added benefit is that the children are also

learning first-hand about people with disabilities.

* Set up a regular routine and time for homework. A routine started early

will benefit the child later on when homework is vital to completing all the

necessary assignments. For the primary grades, homework may simply be

helping with reading, spelling and math. Visually impaired parents can put

spelling words, phonics and math on Braille or on tape and do them aloud.

The school may be able to provide some of these materials.

* Encourage your child's interests by getting books about favorite subjects

out of the library, watching TV shows of interest and visiting interesting

spots. This helps children to see that learning is a life long journey and

not just done within the school walls. Reading can often be more fun for

children if it is about a subject they are interested in, not just their

school reader.

* Send notes to the child's teacher (or call if that is easier) not only

when there is a problem but when things are going well, too. If you child is

really enjoying a certain project or subject, let the teacher know. Teaching

can be a very thankless job and teachers need to know that they are doing a

good job.

* Keep up your involvement when your children go to high-school. Parental

involvement is very low in the high school grades but this is often the age

where parental involvement is most needed. Your participation in PTA and

graduation committees can ensure you have a say in setting up school rules

and activities. Volunteers are often needed at this level for chaperoning

school dances, going on band or sports trips, decorating for ceremonies and

fundraising.

* Attend school board meetings. This is where decisions are made on school

policies. If you aren't pleased with how things are being run then consider

running for election.

* Be a role-model for your child. Children learn best by watching us. Having

books and magazines in the house, discussing a wide variety of issues,

visiting the library frequently and taking classes models learning,

self-discipline and hard work.