According to three decades of research from the national PTA, the earlier parents get involved, the more their kids benefit. Overall, students with involved parents are more likely to earn better grades, pass their classes, attend school regularly, improve their social skills and adapt well to the school environment. They're also more likely to pursue education past high school.
To become a classroom volunteer, start by checking with your school's PTA/PTO, the principal's office or your child's teacher to find out if there is a volunteer program in your child's school. Even if there isn't an organized program, individual teachers will often ask parents to help with field trips or in-class projects.
Many schools and parent-teacher groups provide a handbook and a written code of ethics for volunteers. The most critical guideline is to follow through on your commitment, whether it's an hour a week or two hours a month. "A volunteer must be dependable and consistent," stresses one ethics code.
Traditionally, most parent volunteers have been moms. But with flextime and more stay-at-home dads, men are volunteering, too. The national PTA, started a group called MORE (Men Organized to Raise Engagement) "dedicated to raising the level of engagement between children and the important men in the lives."
"Men who participate in children's lives increase their potential for success - and when both parents are involved, a child can achieve almost anything," emphasizes Charles J. Saylors, the PTA's first ever male national president.
The National Center for Fathering has also introduced a program called WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students). "When dads and granddads came into our school for a one-day program, the students loved it and benefited from all the attention," reports Kathy, a third-grade teacher.
You've always hoped your kids would get the education they need to prepare them for a good life and financially sound future. As their most influential role model, you can take big strides to assuring their success by becoming a classroom volunteer.