STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES

TIPS FOR PARENTS

Parents really want their child's teacher to be:

• Enthusiastic, energetic, happy, positive
• Competent, research-based, well read, confident
• Personable, communicative, respectful, welcoming
• Well-planned, honest, and understand the total school experience
• Student-centered:
  • Use different instructional approaches
  • Expect all children to perform everyday
  • Assign homework that is worthy and tied to the curriculum
  • Offer substantive feedback on student assignments and tasks

Adapted from: "What I Hope for in My Children's Teachers: A Parent's Perspective." The Clearing House. September/October 2001.

Tips for Parents

• Make sure your child completes homework assignments.
• Schedule time for reading daily.
• Ask about upcoming testsŸweekly.
• Schedule conference times with teachers.
• Visit the school regularly.
• Volunteer time or services whenever possible.
• Know your child's teacher.
• Encourage your child to do his/her best on a daily basis.
• Have high standards and expectations for your child's learning.
• Monitor the amount of time your child watches television.
• Encourage your child to persist when the work becomes difficult.
• If you are unable to help your child with schoolwork, ask the school for help.