Getting Involved

Helping to make a school a better place may be the most important move you can make to better your children's education. But don't worry, it doesn't have to be a full-time job.

Even the busiest parents can find creative ways to get involved. We'll show you how to talk to a difficult teacher, how to change an unfair school policy and how to drum up donations to brighten students' lives. Whether your child's school needs a new playground or just a new attitude, here's how to get started.

GETTING INVOLVED
The Best Way to Fight School Policy
Here's how to address the problem without making enemies.

Inside the New PTA
PTA parents are using their skills to effect change, from funding new playgrounds to revitalizing failing schools. Here's how to do the same in your hometown.

How Working Parents Can Volunteer at School, Too
The best way to know what's going on in your kids' lives, and to influence school decisions, is to get involved on a regular basis. Here are some ideas on how working parents can pitch in.

Building a Successful Parent Center in an Urban School
How to face the unique challenge of getting parents involved in a city school.

GETTING WIRED
School Hot Line Found to Boost Parent Involvement
Some schools are using voice-mail systems to keep families posted about homework assignments, reading lists and meetings. Parents report that they feel better about their kids' schooling as a result. They also claim their kids are doing more homework; no word on how the kids feel about that.

Parents, Educators Make New Connection with the Internet
Parent activists have used the Internet to protest bond proposals, criticize math and reading standards, and much more.

RESOURCES
Alliance for Parental Involvement in Education
This national nonprofit group based in Chatham, New York, offers workshops, newsletters, a mail-order lending library and more for parents who wish to get involved in their kids' education.

America Goes Back to School
This section of the U.S. Department of Education Web site offers Activity Kits with examples of local involvement in schools, creative after-school programs, and tips for building local participation and awareness of school issues.

Parent Involvement in Education
The Education Commission of the States, a national nonprofit organization, presents a summary of parent-involvement efforts in all 50 states. Find out what's happening in your hometown, or get ideas from efforts across the nation.

Strong Families, Strong Schools
A comprehensive guide to research on parent involvement, and ways to get started.

Maura McDermott is Assistant Education Editor at FamilyFun.