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Reminds Californians That Everyone Has a Stake in Student Success

LOS ANGELES/SANTA BARBARA — As a kick-off to his campaign to welcome students back to school for the 2007-08 school year, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today reminded all Californians that everyone has a stake in student success. Every facet of California's future is dependent on the how well the state's public education system prepares students to compete in the competitive global economy. Parents, in particular, play a critical role in their children's success in school. Next to teachers, parents will have the greatest impact on student success.

O'Connell today released a to-do list for parents to help students successfully transition back to school and help them develop good habits that will help improve student achievement throughout the year.

"With summer break ending, parents may have a tough task of getting their children back into the daily rhythms of school life, including getting up early, going to class, and studying," said O'Connell. "I am offering parents a to-do list designed to help get children excited about learning again. I hope that these suggestions will be sustained throughout the school year so learning will feel more like an adventure instead of a challenge."

The following is O'Connell's to-do list for parents:

1. Teach your child to become a lifelong learner: Model the love of learning by talking to your child about the interesting things you learn each day. Show excitement about what your children are learning in school. A positive attitude toward learning opens up minds to the possibilities of learning.
2. Read to your children often: A child who has a passion for reading can explore the world through books. Reading also improves writing skills.
3. Be a partner with your child's teacher: Get to know your child's teacher early in the year and learn what is expected of your child at school. Support your child's teachers by checking homework, knowing when assignments are due and asking questions of the teacher to make sure your child is on track and on schedule.
4. Incorporate learning into daily tasks: Beginning with back-to-school shopping, include your child in the tasks of budgeting and using math when making purchases. Read recipes and measure ingredients together. Talk to your child about how things grow in the yard, how electricity makes appliances work, or how much energy is used in your home. Ask questions and seek answers to questions about common things by doing research with you child.
5. Make sure your child is well rested: Students who are well rested do better in school. If your children are tired, they can't think clearly. Set a consistent bedtime.
6. Provide healthy meals, especially breakfast: Breakfasts high in sugar cause students to run out of energy halfway through the morning. Protein will give your children the energy they need to keep them focused until it's time for lunch.
7. Establish a special place and time for homework: A quiet, well-lit area in the home dedicated solely to homework will help your children concentrate on their work. Plan a consistent time for homework every day. If they don't have homework on a certain day, use the time to work on long-term projects or read a book.
8. Find ways to help your child's school: If possible, spend time at your children's school. Even if you can't provide regular assistance in the classroom, before or after school, ask your child's teacher and school staff about other ways you can help. Donations of supplies, help with fundraisers, and communicating with other parents can be done outside of school and work hours.
9. Teach your children at an early age to embrace California's rich diversity: Learn about other cultures as a family, and teach your children about respect for people of other races and backgrounds. California's classrooms are the most diverse in the nation. Our diversity is our strength in a global economy, and all California students must learn to work cooperatively with people who are different from themselves.
10. Expect your child to achieve: California's public schools need parental support in holding students to high expectations. Expect your children to do their very best each day. Hold them accountable for doing homework and working hard to achieve in school. When you expect your children to achieve at high levels they will rise to the challenge. If they believe they can achieve, they will achieve and nothing will make them — or you — more proud.