Back to School 2022 - Ready to Team Up - Michigan PTA

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Know your voice is needed

Parents want the truth and a clear picture about how their child is progressing. Share what you’ve noticed about their learning and don’t be afraid to ask questions (even if you have to ask a few times). Let your child’s teacher know the best way to reach you and set a plan to be in regular touch throughout the year, not just at conferences.

Use the Dear Teacher Letter to introduce yourself to the teacher and jumpstart the relationship.

Get a gut check on progress

The beginning of the year is a combination of review and new material. It’s important to know if your child has learned key math and reading skills needed for success in their new grade. Use the Readiness Check to find out and get connected to videos and activities to support these skills at home.

Start the Readiness Check here—it only takes a few minutes!

Team up on a simple plan

Students take beginning of year ‘benchmark’ tests to help teachers know where they need support. Ask how your child's grade level skills will be measured, how it will inform classroom instruction and what you can do at home. Create a plan with the teacher that focuses on key skills and maximizes learning time at home and school.

Use this Parent-Teacher Planning Tool to help create a plan.

Lean into how your child is feeling

The life skills you promote at home, such as problem-solving, hard work, and confidence, will help your child overcome hard moments. Ask your child how they feel about themselves, their friendships and the world around them. Find help online and in your community when it’s needed.

Find helpful videos and activities to support the life skills you care about.

Remember, you are a learning hero!

You have role-modeled incredible strengths for your child over the past couple of years. Ask other parents for ideas on learning at home and share what’s worked for you. Connect as a family by reading about topics that interest your child. Find math in everyday life. Take care of yourself and celebrate your family’s successes.

Check out The Busy Family’s Guide to School by EdNavigator!

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* Parents 2022 I Hidden in Plain Sight: A Way Forward for Equity Centered Family Engagement.

**NAEP, The Nation’s Report Card 2019

Parents Deserve to Know

According to our national survey, nearly 9 in 10 parents believe their child is performing at or above grade level.*

Yet, what percentage of 8th graders nationally are reading at grade level?**

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