THE THREE EDUCATION TRENDS PARENTS NEED TO KNOW THIS BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON

 

from the California State PTA | http://bit.ly/1P2eMhq

July 22, 2015  – SACRAMENTO  ::   With millions of kids throughout California heading back to school in the coming weeks, California State PTA offers the top three education trends parents need to know:

1. FAMILY ENGAGEMENT IS KEY TO STUDENT SUCCESS

Decades of research prove family engagement is key to kids’ success in school, and in life. Parents’ engagement in children’s lives – reading together, monitoring homework, ensuring attendance, working with teachers, asking questions about your child’s day and joining PTA — impacts student success far more than parents’ income, education or ZIP code. Students with engaged families attend school regularly, perform better in school, earn higher grades, pass their classes, develop better social skills and go on to college and other educational opportunities.

“While family engagement takes many different forms, each and every one of them means a real difference for students,” said California State PTA President Justine Fischer. “Parents can play a huge role in their kids’ success by getting engaged, staying informed and simply being present in their child’s life.”

 

2. HEALTHY KIDS ARE BETTER LEARNERS

There’s a critical link between health and student achievement. Families, teachers and researchers know that our kids can’t grow, learn and succeed when they’re not healthy. Parents can help ensure healthy children – and successful learners – by providing nutritious meals and health care, staying on top of health developments, and staying in touch with your local PTA for the latest information on health issues and programs at your children’s schools.

 

3. EDUCATION CHANGES HELP ALL STUDENTS

From a newly revised funding formula to new standards for teaching, learning and assessment, California’s schools are undergoing historic changes all designed to help students succeed. And understanding how school systems work — such as through the California State PTA’s School Smarts Parent Engagement Program — increases the likelihood of parent and community involvement, which makes education even more effective and responsive for all children.

“Just like the ABC’s, family engagement, student health and the changing landscape of education all go together to spell success for California kids – it’s that simple!” said Fischer.

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LEARN MORE

For more information on these three education trends – including free family resources such as California State PTA’s Parents’ Guide to Student Success, cosponsored by the California Department of Education – please visit capta.org or cde.ca.gov and click the “Parent Portal.”