Know your school’s curriculum, What are the learning Curriculum standards, and expectations for your expectations for my child? child. Volunteer in the school and attend events. What lessons and materials Instruction Ask the teacher about what your child is are going to be used? learning and how you can support his/her growth. Give the school feedback on demonstrations made outside of school What does my child know about what children know and are able and how is my child doing? to do. This is sometimes sought through Assessment What areas should we parent questionnaires. focus on for improvement? Regularly request to see your child’s assessment data or, if available, log in to the parent portal. school’s How are teachers and leaders prepared to serve Participate in trainings and professional Professional my child? development opportunities for Development How can I support their parents/parent leaders. professional development with what I know? What leadership roles can I play to support education? Build relationships with school Leadership Do I know who the school administrators, teachers, and other leaders are and what support personnel. decisions they’re making? Connect to the community by establishing relationships, participating What opportunities exist for in activities, and reaching out to others me to get involved in for support and/or giving support to Family & Community different ways and at others. different levels in the Reach out to services and resources in school? the community that can help you and other families as needed. Share information about your family and strengths and needs with the child’s How does the school school. environment support my Adapt to challenges by working child and how can it be Conditions for together on problems as a family. improved to support all Learning Establish and maintain clear aspects of my child’s expectations that are fair; define what education, including your child can or cannot do; encourage language and culture? communication about tough topics; and help meet the needs of the family. The following resources are available to help families start conversations with teachers their child’s and school leaders and stay up to date on current education initiatives: Illinois Learning Standards and
Curriculum What are the learning expectations for my child? Know your school’s curriculum, standards, and expectations for your child. Instruction What lessons and materials are going to be used? Volunteer in the school and attend events. Ask the teacher about what your child is learning and how you can support his/her growth. Assessment What does my child know and how is my child doing? What areas should we focus on for improvement? Give the school feedback on demonstrations made outside of school about what children know and are able to do. This is sometimes sought through parent questionnaires. Regularly request to see your child’s assessment data or, if available, log in to the school’s parent portal. Professional Development How are teachers and leaders prepared to serve my child? How can I support their professional development with what I know? Participate in trainings and professional development opportunities for parents/parent leaders. Leadership What leadership roles can I play to support education? Do I know who the school leaders are and what decisions they’re making? Build relationships with school administrators, teachers, and other support personnel. Family & Community What opportunities exist for me to get involved in different ways and at different levels in the school? Connect to the community by establishing relationships, participating in activities, and reaching out to others for support and/or giving support to others. Reach out to services and resources in the community that can help you and other families as needed. Conditions for Learning How does the school environment support my child and how can it be improved to support all aspects of my child’s education, including language and culture? Share information about your family and child’s strengths and needs with the school. Adapt to challenges by working together on problems as a family. Establish and maintain clear expectations that are fair; define what your child can or cannot do; encourage communication about tough topics; and help meet the needs of the family. The following resources are available to help families start conversations with their child’s teachers and school leaders and stay up to date on current education initiatives: Illinois Learning Standards and
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