CBS 7 - Your Eye on West Texas

PSAT Part 2 "Helping Your Elementary Student Succeed"

Tatum Hubbard
CBS 7 News
November 19, 2009

This week CBS 7 presents a special Eye on Education report called PSAT – a “Parent’s Scholastic Attitude Test.”
Here’s the reality: parents are busier than ever.
But every educational expert around will tell you - your involvement with your child, on a daily basis, is key.
So let's break it down.
Starting with what you can do to help your elementary-aged student succeed.
You don't have to spend hundreds of hours as a "VIP" or PTA volunteer to be involved in your child's education.
In fact the most important moments occur in everyday life.
The first step may be the most crucial and it sounds so obvious.
Encourage strong reading skills.
This will improve performance in every other subject.
Barbara Villalobos, a parent involvement specialist with the Ector County Independent School District, says the time you spend at home is the most important.
She advises parents to turn off the TV and let your kids see you reading.
Also talk about the books you read.
And ask questions about the books they are reading.
At any age, books should be available.
Villalobos says, ”Just like it's easy for them to turn the remote control on the TV on , it should be just as easy to pick up a book and read."
Here's a unique idea: create a special reading atmosphere.
For example, this classroom at Milam Elementary has a reading area that makes the process "special."
VilalobosVillalobos suggests, “You can even build a tent. It doesn't have to be expensive. A sheet over a table. Create a cozy nook and consider that the reading corner."
Another important tip for parents: communicate with teachers.
It could be as simple as writing, or responding to, a note in the homework folder.
"And each time a parent responds, guess what happens? More involvement is happening," adds Villalobos.
And she says that sends a clear message to the students.
“Your teacher and I are on the same team and we both want you to succeed."
Mauricio Marquez understands success.
As the principal at Blackshear Elementary, his school was rated exemplary this year by the Texas Education Association.
CBS 7’s Tatum Hubbard asked, “It's not easy for parents to be involved. How do you make this happen?”
Marquez say,” Parental involvement is key. Research shows the more engaged parents are - the more success they're going to have."
And everyone recognizes it's not easy.
According to Marquez," Parents are busy - everyone is busy. But it's important to take time to review folders at home to see what kids are doing on a daily basis. Review what teachers are sending home - emphasizing the importance of being ready at home every night.”
So how do things change when your kids get older?
We’ll have additional strategies to help your kids through the turbulent teenaged years this week on CBS 7.