11 Signs that Your Child's School Welcomes Parents

Parent involvement is a key factor in dropout prevention. 

Lack of parent involvement should be considered a significant risk factor leading to teenagers dropping out of high school. 

Conscientious teachers and school officials should encourage parent involvement and make the school inviting to all parents.  

Here are 11 characteristics you might see in a school that is serious about parental involvement:

1. Keeps parents up-to-date (via a bulletin board, Web site, hot line, or news­letter) about upcoming school events, personnel changes, volunteer oppor­tunities, etc.
2.  Informs parents about important changes under consideration before putting them into effect.
3.  Encourages parent-staff committees to weigh in on decisions that signifi­cantly effect the school (e.g., budget, curriculum, teacher hiring).
4.  Holds frequent events (such as open-house nights) where parents and teach­ers can meet, talk, and swap information.
5.  Provides phone numbers or e-mail addresses where parents can reach teachers.
6.  Supports an active parent-teacher group (PTA or PTO).
7.  Invites parents to observe children's classes.
8.  Greets mothers and fathers warmly; treats them in a courteous manner when they ask questions.
9.  Invites parents to make suggestions and evaluate the job that the school is doing, through surveys or direct communication with staff.
10.  Provides clear written information about school rules and procedures.
11.  Explains things to parents in everyday English, not jargon you can't under­stand. 

Do your child's school encourage your involvement. Let me know.