Participating in What your Child is Being Taught and is Learning in School

Parents and caregivers have a right and responsibility to actively participate in the teaching and learning of their children. This works when there is two-way communication between the parent or caregiver and the teacher. It builds trust and contributes to your child’s educational success. This Fact Sheet provides some strategies you can use to be involved in your child’s teaching and learning.

Strategies for understanding and contributing to what your child is being taught

• At the beginning of the school year, attend a “meet the teacher day” with your child. You will see the classroom and you may learn about your child’s class schedule.
• Ask for information about what is being taught to children in your child’s grade.
• Use available technology to understand details about schooling and communicate with your child’s teacher or school leaders.
• Make time to know your child’s teachers personally and thank them for the great work they are doing.
• Check your email frequently for classroom updates from teachers.
• Connect with teachers at curriculum night at the beginning of the year, during parent-teacher conferences, and throughout the school year.
• Ask for resources if your child has difficulty in school. For example, let the teacher know if your child needs more time to learn after school in the study hall.
• Ask about homework and assignments regularly, and how often there will be classroom tests.
• Sit down by your child to ensure that your child does all assigned homework.
• Ask for translated materials as needed.
• Request an interpreter, if needed, and come with a trusted family member to clarify the interpretation.

Strategies for sharing what you know about your child’s learning

• Give information about what motivates your child to stay on task or do their work.
• Tell the teacher about how your child learns.
• Share how your child studies at home (for example, do they study in front of a television, do they study in a quiet place?).
• Inform the teacher about your child’s interests and what motivates them.
• Tell the teacher if visuals help your child learn.
• Tell the teacher about your home culture.
• Communicate with the teacher about the subjects your child likes most and why. For example, you might say, “My child likes math. This shows in how my child counts coins.”
• Tell the teacher about any health-related issues that may affect your child’s behavior in school.
• Ask the teacher about the resources available for your child during classroom tests.
• Check with school leaders to see who is available to help you, such as a parent coach or cultural liaison.

Strategies for parents who are new to the U.S. school system

• Ask a friend or your host family about schooling in the United States.
• Realize that school attendance is mandatory for your child. Seek information about the enrollment and placement of your child in school.
• Ask the person in charge about the school building your child will go to.
• Ask for translated materials if bilingual or multilingual.
• Request an interpreter, if needed, and come with a trusted family member.
• Ask questions about the age and grade level of your child.
• Give accurate information about your child’s previous school and home country.
• Ask about the teaching and testing of your child.
• Ask about food for your child at school. Let school leaders know about specific food needs or restrictions.
• If your child has a disability, see the box for children with disabilities.
• If your child is receiving English language services, see the box for English learners.

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