Involve parents as partners

A student's self-esteem and mathematical confidence is more directly related to his or her parents' perceptions and expectations than to the student's own achievement record or the attitudes of any single teacher. Parent and family involvement in the mathematics education of their children is crucial. As partners in the reform effort, parents can:

• Become aware of any mathematics anxiety they may have and be careful not to pass along their fears to their children.

• Talk to their children about the relevance of mathematics to future success.

• Be sure that their children pursue high-quality mathematics courses.

• Find out about after-school, Saturday, and summer mathematics enrichment programs and encourage their children to participate.

• Encourage their children's interest in mathematics and let them know they can succeed.

• Have high expectations and check on their children's progress.

• Make sure that their children attend school regularly.

• Get to know their children's teachers.

• Join the parent-teacher association and visit school as frequently as possible.

• Attend pertinent workshops - e.g., family math workshops.

• Share informal educational activities - e.g., trips to the library or museum, cultural and educational events - with their children.

• Encourage their employers to support schools.

References