For many parents, a quality education ranks as one of the most important aspects in preparing children for a successful future. Despite the high hopes and dreams, disappointed parents sometimes find themselves stranded in a school system with a less-than-average reputation. It is important to remember that the school experience is often what one makes of it. If you are a dedicated parent willing to go the extra mile to make sure your child finds school enriching and engaging, that dream can become a reality.

Get Connected

When helping your child find success at school, it's crucial to work with the teacher. Let your child's teacher know how happy you are to begin a strong home/school partnership. Determine which mode of communication your child's teacher prefers and be sure to let the teacher know how to reach you. Take advantage of volunteer opportunities in the classroom. Volunteering gives insight into the teacher's style and a greater understanding of the classroom dynamics.

Conquer Class Size Issues

Though studies support the notion that a smaller class allows students more individualized attention and instruction, your child can find success in a large class. Talk with your child, and if he feels his needs are not being met, schedule a conference to hear the teacher's perspective and to share your child's insight.

Additionally, teach your child tips to self-advocate. Brainstorming starter sentences with your child to communicate with the teacher can be helpful. For example, your child could say: "When the class is loud, I have trouble. . ." or "Sometimes I need more help from you when. . . ." Encouraging your child to self-advocate politely and appropriately can help make the teacher aware of how your child is feeling in class.

Large class sizes can be tough on teachers, too. Volunteer to organize a few parents to run small group activities so that the teacher can meet with small groups of children and attend to their individual needs more effectively. Or ask if the school trains parents to assist in class during reading, writing, or math time. Most likely your child's teacher will welcome help in the classroom.

If the situation does not improve, schedule a meeting with the teacher and the principal to see if support staff can be added to the schedule. If you are supportive and proactive in dealing with a large class size, you will most likely be met with respect and a willingness to work on the issue.

Support Learning at Home

Extending learning into the home can make a huge difference in your child's confidence. Make a point to regularly ask your child about school. Determine what your child views as his personal strengths and weaknesses. For young children, you may need to ask specific questions such as, "I know you had math today. Tell me about it. What did you feel good about? Did you find anything challenging?"

Use parent-teacher conferences to learn how you can support your child's learning at home. Some parents find that securing a tutor is a good option. National learning centers offer structured tutoring lessons for students of all ages in a range of subject areas. Your child's teacher may also recommend a private tutor. Additionally, hiring a college student immersed in an education prep program could be a more affordable option for tutoring. See if the tutor will email you and the classroom teacher regularly to let you know what's happening during the tutoring sessions and to ask if there's a particular subject the child could use extra help with. The teacher will likely be happy to share ideas and topics that will improve your child's learning.

Make a Difference in School

There are many avenues for you to effect positive change in your child's school. Begin by looking at established committees for a place to put your strengths to use. If you're interested in voicing your opinion about school issues, join a parent advisory board or school council. Led by the principal, such groups provide a forum for parents, teachers, members of the community, and administrators to fulfill the school's core values or mission statement. Some groups even encourage parents to form research or action sub-committees that gather information and brainstorm solutions to school issues. Joining an advisory committee offers parents an excellent opportunity to hear firsthand from the principal what he or she views as the school's biggest challenges.

Another way to make a difference is to join your school's Parent Teacher Association/Organization whose members work to enrich school programming through special events and fundraising. Jump in and help out with established fundraisers or come up with some new, unique ideas.

Often, busy parents are unaware of current school initiatives and accomplishments of various teachers in the school. Propose that your PTA/PTO sponsor informative presentations such as Meet the Specialists or Breakfast with the Special Education Team that allow parents to learn more about these programs. The more connected and involved the parent population is, the stronger the school.

Don't let a less-than-average school image get you down! There are many ways that you can get involved and positively influence your child's school experience. Patience, hard work, and a willingness to be a part of your child's education will result in a more successful school experience for all.