Ten things teachers wish parents would do

A child's school success can be linked to every important adult in his or her life. Parents and grandparents who are active in their children's schools are valuable assets to the health and vigor of those schools. Not only do teachers appreciate their efforts, but the whole school family does as well.

Be involved in your children's education. Parents' involvement helps students learn and improves schools. Here are some tips:

1. Provide resources at home for reading and learning. Parents should have books and magazines for their children and read to or with their children each day.
2. Set a good example. Parents should show their children that they believe reading is enjoyable and useful. They shouldn't spend all their time in front of the TV either.
3. Encourage children to do their best in school. Parents must indicate that they believe education is important and that they want their children to do the best they possibly can.
4. Emphasize academics. Too many parents get caught up in athletics when academics should be their first concern.
5. Support school rules and goals. Parents should take care not to undermine school rules, discipline or goals.
6. Use pressure positively. Parents should encourage children to do their best, but they should not apply too much pressure by setting unattainable goals or by involving them in too many activities.
7. Call teachers early if there is a problem. Don't wait for the teacher to call you. By alerting your child's teachers to a potential problem, you still have time to improve the situation.
8. Accept your responsibility as parents and don't expect the school and teachers to take over this job. For example, parents should make it their responsibility to teach children basic discipline at home rather than leave this task to teachers.
9. View drinking by underage youth and excessive partying as a serious matter, not a joke. Drinking, partying and staying out late take a toll on students' classroom performance. While parents are concerned about drug abuse, many fail to recognize that alcohol is the drug most frequently abused by youngsters, as well as adults.

Excerpted from The National PTA Talks to Parents: How to Get the Best Education for Your Child.