 Research
has shown that children at all grade levels do better in school, feel more
confident about themselves as learners and have higher expectations for
themselves when their parents are supportive of and involved with their
education.[ 4 ] Here are some ways that you can stay involved in your child's
school life:
Visit your child's school. During your visit,
look for clues as to whether the school values science. |
- Do you see science learning centers?
Displays related to science? Science-related drawings on
the bulletin boards? Are there plants, terrariums,
aquariums or collections (of rocks or insects, for
example) in the classrooms, front hall or library?
- Do you see any science equipment in
evidence? Are there magnifiers? Magnets? Pictures?
Videos? Is the equipment up-to-date?
- Does the school library contain
science books? If so, are they recent publications?
- Is there enough space in the
classrooms or elsewhere in the school for students to
conduct science experiments?
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Find out about the school's science
curriculum. Ask for a school handbook. If none is
available, meet with the school's principal and ask
questions such as the following: |
- What methods and materials does the
school use for science instruction? Are these methods
based on sound research evidence about what works best?
Are the materials up-to-date? Can students do hands-on
science projects? Does the science curriculum follow
state science standards and guidelines?
- Are the science teachers highly
qualified? Do they meet state certification and
subject-area knowledge requirements?
- What facilities and resources are
available to teach science? If the school budget for
science instruction is inadequate, what has the school
or district tried to do to obtain resources from other
sources, such as businesses and service organizations?
- How much time is spent on science
instruction?
- How does the school measure student
progress in science? What tests does it use?
- How do the students at the school
score on state assessments of science?
- Are activities available that
parents can use at home to supplement and support
instruction?
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Meet with your child's teacher.
Schedule an appointment and ask how your child approaches
science. Does he enjoy it? Does he participate actively?
Does he understand assignments and do them accurately? If
the teacher indicates that your child has problems with
science, ask for specific things that you can do to help
him.
Visit your child's classroom.
In the classroom, look for the following: |
- Do students have opportunities for
hands-on experiences working with materials? Do students
discuss their ideas, make predictions and offer
explanations? Do they have opportunities to talk and
work with each other as well as with the teacher?
- Does the instruction show students
how to connect the science concepts they're learning to
their personal experiences and to explore how science
and technology affect their lives?
- Does instruction include activities
in which students apply their science skills and
knowledge to real problems and situations?
- Do students have opportunities to
use science equipment and technology?
- Does the teacher expect all students
to succeed? Does he help them set high goals for
themselves? Does he listen to their explanations and
ideas?
- Do science tests and assessments
match state and local standards? Do they match what has
been taught? Are they used appropriately to plan
instruction and evaluate student understanding?
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Find out if the school has a Web
site and, if so, get the address. School Web sites
can provide you with ready access to all kinds of
information, including homework assignments, class
schedules, lesson plans and test dates.
Find out how your child's school is
performing by checking its annual report card
required under the No Child Left Behind Act. Prepared by
your school district, this report card shows how students at
your school performed on state assessments and how their
performance compares to that of other schools in the
district. The law currently requires regular assessments in
reading and math; and science assessments to be in place by
the school year 2007-08. (For more information on No Child
Left Behind, see the Resources section.)
Get actively involved. Attend
parent-teacher meetings. If you're unable to attend, ask
that the minutes of the meetings be sent to you, or that
they be made available on the school's Web site. If your
schedule permits, volunteer to help with the science
program. Teachers often send home lists of ways in which
parents can get involved, including the following: |
- Assisting with classroom science
projects;
- Chaperoning science-related field
trips;
- Offering to set up a science display
in the school's front hallway or in your child's
classroom;
- Leading hands-on lessons (if you
have a good science background yourself);
- Helping in a computer laboratory or
other area requiring adult supervision; and
- Starting a drive to raise money for
computers, science equipment, books or field trips.
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Even if you can't volunteer for work at the school, you can
help your child learn when you're at home and contribute a
great deal to his success at school. The key question is,
"What can I do at home, easily and in a few minutes each
day, to reinforce and extend what the school is teaching?"
Information source: U.S. Department of Education - Helping Your Child Learn Science |
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