Focus on Education: A Report Card For Parents By: Anthony Pellegrino

When anyone discusses education, two of the most commonly used words are “responsibility” and “accountability.” We are quick to use them when we discuss the results of a nationwide test school’s scores. We use these words to rate teachers, principals and students. But I rarely hear them used to rate parents. Below is a quick test for all parents to take. How do you rate in taking “responsibility’ and “accountability” for your child’s school achievement?

Mark your report card now, and again in six to eight weeks. As your grades increase, so will those of your child.

1. Do I praise my child once a day?
2. Do I treat my child as a worthwhile member of our family?
3. Am I available when my child wishes to talk tome?
4. Do I include my child in family plans and decisions?.
5. Do I set reasonable guidelines and insist that my child follow them?
6. Do I treat my child the way I treat my best friend?
7. Do I treat all my children equally?
8. If I tell my child to do something, do I explain why instead of saying:
because I said so?
9. Do I set a good example for my child?
10. Do I think positive thoughts about my child and encourage achievements?
11. Do I take an interest in my child’s education and attend PTA meetings?
12. Do I occasionally give my child a hug or a friendly pat on the back?
13. Do I encourage attendance at weekly religious services?.
14. Do I spend time each day looking over my child’s work with him?
15. Do I send my child off to school each day with a word of encouragement?
16. Do I know who his friends are?
17. Do I know where they go at night and when they return?
18. Do I control television viewing at home?
19. Do I discuss with my child my work and my own dreams for the future?
20. Do we eat at least one meal daily together?
21. Do I criticize his teachers or other people in front of him?
22. Do I spend time with my child doing things together, such as shopping, playing, or just walking ?
23. Do I explain and practice universal values that make us good people?
24. Do I cooperate with my child’s teachers?
25. Do my spouse and I argue and fight in front of my child?
Total Score

The next time your child brings home his report card, compare your report card to his. See how many A’s and other grades you give yourself. After taking this brief test, practice the suggestions that the questions make. You will be amazed to see the difference in your child’s attitude when he realizes that mom and dad respects him

I borrowed this quiz from a wonderful set of video tapes called Where There is a Will There’s an A. by Claude W. Olney, J.D. The tapes discuss suggestions on how to help your child through elementary and secondary schools and college.

If we truly want our child to succeed in school, then take the time to be “responsible and accountable” for your child’s success. The simple truth is if we want better schools, you the parents must become actively involved. There must not be a gap between the home and the school. Do it now for your child’s sake! You’ll be amazed and pleased with the outcome. I’ll bet you a Nino’s pizza!