Dear parents,
With the beginning of the school year now underway, I implore you to be active, engaged and accountable parents who are fully committed to your child’s academic needs.
As I drove through various neighborhoods recently, I’ve seen children at bus stops decked out with their new school attire – be it the customary uniform many schools have now adopted or clothing that reflects a child’s individual style. While it is nice to see the kids donning their apparel, this school year is about more than one’s physical appearance; it is about their educational success and parents, you are the most important part of that. Yes, teachers are responsible for educating students, but the first teachers are parents. It is your responsibility to ensure your child has a solid foundation that includes scheduled study time and adequate sleep time. It is your responsibility to ensure your child is completing homework – and that means do more than just ask if they have afterschool work; check their backpacks, log on to the electronic parent portal so many schools utilize now, and review the work once it is complete.
Another important aspect of ensuring your child’s academic success is your level of engagement with their teachers. Are you the type of parent who only speaks with the teacher when there is a problem, or do you engage with them throughout the year? Don’t always be so inclined to communicate with educators only when something negative occurs. Aim to be more proactive rather than reactive. Doing so not only sets a good example to your child, but it also shows the teacher that you are deeply invested in your child’s academic success by being involved in all aspects of engagement. Being proactive isn’t limited solely to your actions toward teachers; it also applies to your child as well. Data show positive reinforcement is…well, positive. Actually it is extremely positive and beneficial. Encouraging and praising your children when they do well is scientifically proven to increase their self-esteem as well as motivate them to continue to excel.
Some educators I’ve spoken with over the years said they often feel as if some parents unjustly withdrawal their level of academic interaction when their children are in the latter years of high school.
“That’s a big mistake,” said one Indianapolis English teacher. “While juniors and seniors are older, they still need to know parents are engaged – it not only makes them feel valuable, but parental engagement also holds teens more accountable.”
Children need reinforcement and they thrive in structured settings. Creating a solid foundation for your child at home can only improve their chances of succeeding at school.
Unfortunately the plight of African-American children is an unjust reality. Experts contend Black students are disciplined at schools more frequently and harshly than their peers of other races. Parents have the power to change the trajectory of kids’ lives by breaking the cycles of statistics and circumstance in ways that deposit positive seeds in their children. You can truly make a difference!
I understand parenting is not an easy job – a recent study actually showed parenting is more difficult than pursuing a career or maintaining a successful marriage. That says a lot about the pressure parents are under. Indiana is fortunate to have a lot of educational resources and options for parents. I encourage you to take advantage of the various resources available that will ensure your child is on the right track for success.
Shannon Williams is President of Recorder Media Group @IndyRecorder
https://www.indianapolisrecorder.com/opinion/article_12dae23a-41e6-11e5-96e9-a791178d1cec.html