Trustee Miguel Solis represents District 8 covering Love Field, Northwest Dallas, and Central Dallas. He shares how parents can help students soar to success. Below is an excerpt from his monthly column which appears in The Katy Trail.
Teaming up for student success
There are several contributing factors to reaching Dallas ISD’s mission, which is to educate all students for success! On one side of the equation, we have outstanding and dedicated school staff who take this mission personally, and strive to provide a nourishing learning environment for students. On the other side of the equation, is our parent community. Parental support is a key factor to student achievement as parents are their child’s first teacher.
Being successful in school is not limited to what happens in the classroom. Parents can assume an important role in making sure that their children have good study habits by taking into consideration the following tips:
- Select a specific hour for homework.
- Establish when children can watch television and for how long.
- Establish a specific routine for meals and bedtime.
- Make sure that your child has the appropriate books, supplies, and a dedicated place for studying.
- Offer to help your child with homework, especially with assignments that may present some difficulty.
- Most importantly, take time to learn what subjects your child excels in and which ones are the most difficult.
Establishing a study routine is very important, especially for younger children. It will not only help them with their study habits but will also help them to realize the importance of making education a priority in their lives.
Another way to help your child succeed is by working with your child’s teacher. Communicating with the teacher on a regular basis can have a significant impact on your child’s performance in the classroom. Other ways to stay involved are to volunteer at the school, read all handouts that the school principal and teacher send home, and attend all parent conferences, or schedule time to meet with your child’s teachers at a time convenient for both.
