Raphael Crawford, Ed.D. a former Tennessee Highly Effective principal and who currently mentors school leaders and serves as the chief consultant for educational reform and organizational leadership with The Crawford Group has created his annual list of what parents can do during the summer to prepare their children to return to school classroom ready and positioned to learn from day one.
Over the years, research has shown that parent/family engagement has a profound impact on student achievement, behavior and school culture. “Parents can be invaluable partners in their children's education, but many take themselves out of the equation because of mistrust, misunderstanding, the demands of work and home, or other factors"(Linda Star, 2009).
Dr. Crawford provides 22 effective strategies that can assist parents/families to "seriously prepare for the beginning of the school year." "Parents equipped with any of these strategies can give their child a head start to a successful school year", according to Dr. Michael A. Robinson, Founder and CEO, Forest Of The Rain Productions.
SCHEDULE
ACADEMICS
SAFETY and HEALTH
SPECIAL NEEDS
ADVOCACY and RELATIONSHIPS
difference in achievement)
Raphael Crawford, Ed. D. a former Tennessee Highly Effective principal, currently mentors school leaders and serves as the chief consultant for educational reform and organizational leadership with The Crawford Group. During his tenure as a school leader and “turn-around” principal, he was appointed as a Tennessee school district leadership trainer for the Tennessee Educator Accelerated Model and Tennessee Common Core State Standards. Contact: raphaelcrawford06@gmail.com or @DrRaphaelC
Over the years, research has shown that parent/family engagement has a profound impact on student achievement, behavior and school culture. “Parents can be invaluable partners in their children's education, but many take themselves out of the equation because of mistrust, misunderstanding, the demands of work and home, or other factors"(Linda Star, 2009).
Dr. Crawford provides 22 effective strategies that can assist parents/families to "seriously prepare for the beginning of the school year." "Parents equipped with any of these strategies can give their child a head start to a successful school year", according to Dr. Michael A. Robinson, Founder and CEO, Forest Of The Rain Productions.
SCHEDULE
- Get your child on a sleep and study schedule
- Plan a schedule for volunteering, unannounced school visits (In TN, principals cannot prevent parents from visiting, don't let them tell you that you can’t visit)
ACADEMICS
- Talk to your child about being ready for learning; positive behavior
- Encourage your child to always do their best
- Know the state standards your child should master, as well as end of course expectations
- Be honest about your child's strengths and areas of need
- Yes, parents matter, and you can make a difference; use your strong voice to get what your child needs; parent voices carry a lot of weight
- Reward your child often; provide resources for assistance as needed
- Check out and read books your child will read this year, be ready to help them (check your public library or school website)
- Buy enough supplies to last the entire year (Walmart and other stores will practically give away school supplies in late September and October, they need the shelf space)
- Most districts have the curriculum online, there is no excuse for any parent not knowing what will be taught, or how to find available resources for help; ask in writing for help
- Know that school attendance is extremely important, be on time every day. Sick children must stay at home
SAFETY and HEALTH
- Walk or drive the route to and from school; identify safe areas to seek help
- Have phone number that won't change and is operable
- Plan for snow days, emergencies, half-days, missed buses, sickness at school; who will get your child? (keep sick child at home)
- Take time for self-care; you are best for your child when you have a clear mind and are in a good emotional and physical state
SPECIAL NEEDS
- Contact the principal, in writing, with detailed information about your child and any special needs the child may have; request to meet with the principal, counselor, and teachers before school begins; keep copies of all communication with the school
ADVOCACY and RELATIONSHIPS
- Be PRESENT, ACTIVE, and VOCAL (Positively)
- Don't bash the teachers and schools in the presence of your child; speak positively about schools and education
- Let everyone know that you advocate for your child; protect your child, but don't defend their poor behavior
- Know that most teachers and school staff need your involvement, they want your input;
difference in achievement)
- Know your school board member! Contact them
Raphael Crawford, Ed. D. a former Tennessee Highly Effective principal, currently mentors school leaders and serves as the chief consultant for educational reform and organizational leadership with The Crawford Group. During his tenure as a school leader and “turn-around” principal, he was appointed as a Tennessee school district leadership trainer for the Tennessee Educator Accelerated Model and Tennessee Common Core State Standards. Contact: raphaelcrawford06@gmail.com or @DrRaphaelC