Resources for Parents
When parents are involved in their children's education at home, they do better in school. And when parents are involved in school, children go farther in school — and the schools they go to are better.
The family makes critical contributions to student achievement from preschool through high school. A home environment that encourages learning is more important to student achievement than income, education level or cultural background.
Reading achievement is more dependent on learning activities in the home than is math or science. Reading aloud to children is the most important activity that parents can do to increase their child's chance of reading success. Talking to children about books and stories read to them also supports reading achievement.
When children and parents talk regularly about school, children perform better academically. Three kinds of parental involvement at home are consistently associated with higher student achievement: actively organizing and monitoring a child's time, helping with homework and discussing school matters.
Positive results of parental involvement include improved student achievement, reduced absenteeism, improved behavior, and restored confidence among parents in their children's schooling. The earlier that parent involvement begins in a child's educational process, the more powerful the effects.
Check out these cool Web sites to help your kids get the most out of school
(Please note that the ISEA does not control the content of the sites pointed to below--they are entirely the responsibility of the respective webmasters. While we believe these sites to be generally of high quality, parents should carefully monitor their children's use of the Internet to ensure that specific sites do not contain links to more questionable content.)
National Education Association
A look at the issues that shape the future of education in America.
Iowa Department of Education
All you need to know about education in Iowa.
PBS Parents
Check this site out for tips on fun parenting along with issues and advice.
U.S. Department of Education Family Involvement Initiative
Lots of well-organized and useful information for parents PLUS links to other interesting education-related web sites.
Ask Dr. Math
If you have a question related to math, then it's most likely been answered here!
Yahoo Kids!
The first web guide for kids, this handy resource leads users to content appropriate for children.
Family Education Network
A unique membership-based online service designed to help families get more involved in their children's education.
Disney Family
Check out this award-winning Web site which focuses on innovative activities for families and practical ideas for busy parents.
Iowa PTA
Find out how to get involved in your school.
National PTA
Click here to see how parents can be educational partners.
