The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (No Child Left Behind) is designed to reform and improve student achievement and change
culture of America’s schools. According to this reform act each state must measure every public school student’s progress in reading and math in each of grades 3 through 8 and at least once during grades 10 through 12. By school year 2007-2008, assessments (or testing) in science will be underway. These assessments must be aligned with state academic content and achievement standards. They will provide parents with objective data on where their child stands academically.Parents may not be aware that their school is required by law to offer school sponsored activities to promote parent involvement, and there are special funds allocated for these activities. The funds are used to pay trainers, facilitators, and instructors, along with materials used in these trainings, food and child care services so parents can focus on information being delivered.
The seminars, workshops, and trainings are designed to assist parents in helping their student’s academic achievement and performance.
Teachers, parents, business professionals, and all others who may be interested in helping parents help their children learn may be interested in creating a workshop, seminar and/or training for parents. Below are five suggestions for offering activities that will benefit parents and their children.
1.If education is your background, and you are a displaced teacher, become a Supplemental Educational Services Provider. Contact your State Department of Education to get more information on how you can qualify to become a Supplemental Educational Services Provider offering tutorial services to children who meet criteria for those services. You will be paid through Title I funding received by school district where you apply to service. 2.There is always a need for Parent Educators. Parent Educators teach parents how to “be better parents.” They focus on parenting skills, disciplinary skills, learning how to help with homework, help with standardized test taking and more. Contact your local school district to get more information on how you can become a Parent Educator offering workshops or seminars to parents in your school district. You will be paid through Title I funding received by school district where you apply to serve. Visit www.detroitk12.org to see a sample of seminars offered to parents.
