How Involved are You in Your Teen’s High School Education?
Learn4Life offers New Year’s Resolutions for parents
Study after study has proven that parental involvement is the key factor in determining a student’s success in high school. With supportive parents, students are more likely to graduate, attend post-secondary education, earn higher grades, and have fewer absences. Recognizing the importance of parental involvement, Learn4Life, a network of 80+ public high schools, takes a holistic approach by involving both students and parents in the education process.
High school work is harder than in middle school, and there is added pressure of test scores, college or trade school planning, and the social aspects of becoming an adult, said Lindsay Reese, area superintendent at Learn4Life. Too often, parents of high schoolers don’t really know how their child is doing academically and emotionally.
At Learn4Life, every student receives an individual learning plan that includes parental involvement in educational decisions. To foster strong parent-teen partnerships, Learn4Life suggests six New Year’s resolutions for parents of teenagers:
1. Prioritize open communication: Ensure regular conversations with your teen about school, their goals, and any challenges they may be facing.
2. Attend parent-teacher conferences: Make an effort to meet your teen’s teachers and discuss their progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.
3. Stay informed about coursework: Familiarize yourself with your teen’s curriculum, assignments, and due dates to provide guidance and support.
4. Encourage participation in extracurricular activities: Involve your teen in activities outside of the classroom to promote personal growth, social interaction, and a well-rounded education.
5. Support time management skills: Help your teen develop effective study habits and time management strategies to balance schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal responsibilities.
6. Advocate for additional resources: If your teen requires extra support, such as tutoring or counseling, work with the school to ensure they receive the necessary assistance.
Reese emphasizes that creating an optimal learning environment requires collaboration among teachers, tutors, school counselors, and parents. This teamwork is particularly crucial given the learning loss experienced by many students during the pandemic.
Learn4Life is a network of nonprofit public high schools dedicated to providing students with personalized learning, career training, and life skills. These tuition-free schools offer local control and individual attention, serving over 53,000 students, including full-time and intersession students. Learn4Life aims to prepare students for a successful future beyond high school.
Parental involvement plays a vital role in a teenager’s educational journey, impacting their overall success and well-being. By following these New Year’s resolutions, parents can actively engage with their teens and contribute to their academic and personal growth. Together, parents and schools can create a supportive environment that nurtures students’ potential and prepares them for a bright future.
Please Visit www.learn4life.org for more information.
