Parents care deeply about their children’s educations. And that’s a good thing. Studies have shown that when parents are involved in their children’s schooling, those kids earn higher grades, score better on tests, have better social skills and behavior, and are more likely to go on to college.
Educating yourself about education options and topics is a great start toward becoming more involved in your child’s school life. We offer the following articles to help you on your journey.

‘Don’t Know Much Geography’
Helping Children Learn About the World

By Emily Puro

It’s no secret that geography is a weak subject for many American students (and often for their parents, too!). A 2006 sampling of over 500 recent U.S. high school and college graduates between 18 and 24 years old found half unable to locate New York on a map of the United States. More than 60 percent couldn’t find Iraq on a map of the Middle East, and nearly three-quarters incorrectly named English as the most widely spoken native language in the world. More…

How to Pick a Great Music Teacher
By Teresa Carson

You’ve decided that it’s time to sign your child up for private music lessons. Now what?

The best first step is to ask other parents. “Ask for recommendations from friends, at church, at soccer,” Nancy Parent, a Portland piano teacher says. “The music teacher at school, if there is one, usually has a list of names,” Glenda McKibben, a veteran school music teacher and director of choirs at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church says. The Music Teachers National Association (www.mtna.org) lists 124 teacher members in the metro area on its Web site. Whether you’ve acquired the prospective teacher’s name from the MTNA Web site, a school music teacher’s list or through an advertisement, ask the teacher for references and check them out.

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The Trouble with Math
Tips for Tackling Math Homework with Your Kids

By Rosanne D. Parry

Of all the subjects students bring home from school, math homework is the one that most often leads to conflict and frustration. Children typically need more help with math than other subjects – and parents typically feel ill-equipped to offer it.

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