Parents Key to Student Success

Just as physicians tell us that the patient’s attitude plays a major role in healing, school people know that parent involvement is the singularly most important contributor to a child’s success in school.

No, we’re not saying that every parent must give time in the classroom. We are stating emphatically that children who succeed in school are from families that take a sincere interest in how and what the children are doing in class, and express that interest daily.

“Report card” time can be a traumatic experience for all of us, particularly if that progress report shows little or no achievement. Parents should never be completely surprised at the marks. If they are, it is a sure sign that they have not paid attention to that student across the dinner table!

We’ve all heard that “What did you learn in school today? Nothing!” scenario, and we’ve probably lived it as well. The question is too vague . . . too wide open. “Tell me what you read about or the game you played during recess” are more direct and less open to one-word, yes-or-no responses.

If the roles were reversed, and our children asked what we as employed adults learned at work today, would we too be stuck for an answer? Children are students; that’s their “employment.” They need to be encouraged to talk about it, to share the successes and admit the not-so-goods, without fear of condemnation, criticism or reprisal.

Orange County schools are anticipating enrolling another 9,000 students this year, more than 3,000 of those at the primary level.

Facilities demands are unprecedented, faculty needs unparalleled, with rewards equal to the challenges.

Phonics instruction will gain unprecedented attention as one of the most effective word-attack skills, with leadership in staff development provided by our county Department of Education.

Renewed emphasis on “the basics,” plus more individual attention for each primary student, will give all of us a strong return on our investment.

Orange County residents are proud of their public schools. The excellent performance on scholastic assessment tests is proof that our graduates are achieving well.

We are optimistic about the future, And we must prepare our students for the 21st century. They are our future.

ELIZABETH PARKER

President

Orange County Board of Education