3 Things Every Parent Should Know About Education

Every parent wants the best for his or her child. However, they do not always know the best way to go about getting the best education for their child. The public school system is really a very good system for achieving a great education if you know how to work the system. Unfortunately, that is a very big IF.

Contact Your Child's Teacher on a Weekly Basis

This will do two things. First, this will put you on a short list of parents that are highly interested in their student's academic success. Since teachers are overwhelmed as it is, you will want to make sure your child is on the list of student's that need to be watched and not fall through the cracks.

The other thing is this will make you known to the staff of the school. Teachers do talk and you will be passed along to the next teacher. The next year your name will be passed along for the next teacher to be aware of. This way everyone knows that you will be watching out for your child. In addition, your child will be placed with better teachers who won't make careless mistakes because everyone knows you will catch it.

Insist that the Teacher Sign the School Planner

Nowadays, every school including kindergartens has a daily planner. Insist that every teacher sign the planner on a daily basis and so should you. This way you and the teacher can know what homework is assigned and when it is due. There is no mistaking a missed assignment when it is clearly written and signed by the teacher and the parent. (The same can be done for misbehavior.)

Ask about SnapGrades

Many schools have SnapGrades. SnapGrades is an online grading system where teacher input the grades into the computer and parents can access the grades instantly. (I have absolutely no affiliation to the system. I get no money from promoting the system at all. I simply love the system as it helps promote accountability to students.) If your school does not have SnapGrades, ask the teachers how you can get a copy of the grades on a regular basis.

These three secrets may not make you the most popular with your kids but they will get you on the short list with the teachers. As a former teacher, when the teachers know who you are, your child will be watched and everything will go smoother. Of course, you still need to take action once you receive information but your child won't fall through the cracks if your follow these three steps.