Month-long program stresses parents’ role in student achievement

PACER Staff Report

October is Minnesota Parent Involvement Month, a time to celebrate the important role parents play in their children’s education.

This year, parents will be able to nominate their school in a statewide Family-Friendly School contest, find fun ideas on a family activities calendar, and take part in a variety of school activities highlighting the importance of parents being involved in their child’s education. Visit pacer.org/mpc/parentinvolvementmonth for more information. Parents can check with their local school district to learn about scheduled parent involvement events.

The month is sponsored by the Minnesota Parent Center, Minnesota’s PIRC (Parental Information and Resource Center), a project of PACER Center. It is cosponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Association of School Administrators, Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals, Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association, Minnesota Association of Administrators of State and Federal Education Programs, and Minnesota PTA.

Research shows that students learn more, have higher grades, and have better school attendance when parents are involved.

Try some of the following activities with your child to encourage success:

• Look for upcoming school activities or events that you could be involved in

• Check out books at the library that relate to what your child is learning in school.

• Have a family game night. Have your child keep score.

• Have a family reading night. One person can read aloud, or everyone can read silently.

• Talk with your children about their day. What was the best part?

For more ideas and information about parent involvement in education, visit PACER.org/mpc or call the Minnesota Parent Center, 952-838-9000; toll free 800-537-2237. The Minnesota Parent Center – MN PIRC is a project of PACER Center.