# data[].attributes.headline
Link: National Center for Improving Literacy

# data[].attributes.subject
Link: National Center for Improving Literacy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The National Center on Improving Literacy is a partnership among literacy experts, university researchers, and technical assistance providers, with funding from the United States Department of Education.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your source for improving outcomes for students with literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia.

# data[].attributes.body
How can schools and families partner together in support of students’ literacy skills? Find the Partnering With Your Child’s School infographic

# data[].attributes.headline
Parents and colleagues have questions such as: What is Dyslexia? Is it true that Dyslexia is seeing things backward? What are the effects of Dyslexia? Find the Understanding Dyslexia page and lists some of the resources available there.

# data[].attributes.subject
Parents and colleagues have questions such as: What is Dyslexia? Is it true that Dyslexia is seeing things backward? What are the effects of Dyslexia? Find the Understanding Dyslexia page and lists some of the resources available there.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
WHAT?

Literacy is the ability to read and write well. You and the school share responsibility for your child's language and literacy learning. Collaborate with your school to make decisions about your child's literacy education right from the start.

WHY?

Your child benefits when you and the school work together to support her literacy development. Working together promotes faster development and catches trouble spots early.

HOW?

1. COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT OFTEN

Ask the school how you can communicate with each other. Find out how you will receive communication from the school and ask questions if you need more information.

Ways to share your experiences and thoughts with the school:

Help in the classroom

Go to meetings (school/teacher orientation, parent-teacher conferences)

Join school groups (Parent-Teacher Association or Organization, Family Advisory Council)

Ask, "What are the school's literacy goals for children and families?"

Ask, "How does the school partner with families when developing its language and literacy goals for students?"

Ask, "How can I support my child's language and literacy goals?"

2. DISCUSS LITERACY INSTRUCTION AND INTERVENTION

Understand the literacy standards your child is working on at school. Talk about how you and the school can partner to help your child and others get high quality and effective literacy instruction. Review the literacy expectations set for your child and make sure they are appropriate for your child. Ask if the literacy instruction and intervention is evidence-based. Check if the instruction and intervention targets the skills she needs most. Ask:

"What does my child need to know and be able to do?"

"How is reading taught and by whom?"

"When does literacy instruction and intervention happen and for how long?"

"How many other children join?"

"What school materials or trainings about literacy are available to families?"

Tools to help your child read and write may be available. Tools for reading include audio books, screen readers, speed control tape recorders, and devices that can scan printed material to be read aloud. Tools for writing include special keyboards, speech recognition software, proofreading software, and pens that record someone speaking.

3. PRACTICE LITERACY SKILLS AT HOME

Talk with schools about what home literacy activities match your child's skill level. Ask:

"What activities will help her practice the skills learned at school?"

"What strategies should I use to help my child read or write?"

"What tools are available to help my child practice these skills?"

Try out different activities and tools and share with the school what worked well and what did not. Explain your role in the activity. Let the school know if you or your child need more information or support. Discuss other ways your child can practice the skills learned at school, such as at the library or through literacy services in your community.

4. ADDRESS CONCERNS TOGETHER

Discuss what your child has learned and what skills she is still working on. Share your understanding of your child's learning needs. Tell the school what activities or tasks are giving her trouble at home and how you helped. Learn about the school's system of learning support. Ask:

"How is my child's language and literacy learning being supported in this system?"

"How are you monitoring my child's language and literacy progress?"

"What might happen next if my child continues to struggle?"

Take time to understand the school's position and openly communicate your view. Work together to find a solution to address your child's learning needs that you both can support. If you and the school disagree, get advice from others on next steps.

Infographic

Enlarge Infographic

Suggested Citation

Sayko, S. (2017). Partnering with your child's school. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office of Special Education Programs, National Center on Improving Literacy. Retrieved from improvingliteracy.org

References

Epstein, J.L. (2013). Summary: School, family, and community partnerships to improve students' reading and literacy skills and attitudes. In B.W. Toso (Ed.), Proceedings of the 22nd National Conference on Family Literacy 2013 Research Strand (pp. 15-22). University Park: PA.

Hall, S.L. & Moats, L.C. (2002). Parenting a struggling reader: A guide to diagnosing and finding help for your child's reading difficulties. New York, NY: Broadway Books.

Henderson, A.T., & Mapp, K.L. (2002). A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family, and community connections on student achievement. Austin, TX: National Center for Family & Community Connections with Schools, Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.

Mapp, K. L., & Kuttner, P. J. (2013). Partners in education: A dual capacity -building framework for family-school partnerships. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, SEDL. Retrieved from http://www2.ed.gov/documents/family-community/partners-education.pdf

Related Resources

Abstract

You and the school share responsibility for your child's language and literacy learning. Collaborate with your school to make decisions about your child's literacy education right from the start. Your child benefits when you and the school work together to support her literacy development. Working together promotes faster development and catches trouble spots early.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Literacy is the ability to read and write well. You and the school share responsibility for your child's language and literacy learning. Collaborate with your school to make decisions about your child's literacy education right from the start. Your child benefits when you and the school work together to support her literacy development.

# data[].attributes.body
Encourage parents to attend meetings, visit classrooms, and communicate with teachers.

# data[].attributes.body
Send home communication through newsletters, emails, and group texts about literacy in your classrooms.

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers send literacy standards home weekly that will be the focus of learning.

# data[].attributes.headline
Articles have surfaced claiming that ChromaGen-colored lenses have been FDA approved for the treatment of Dyslexia. While the lenses have been approved to aid in the treatment of visual problems, they have not been approved to treat Dyslexia. Find the information that explains and debunks this claim entitled: False Claims Mislead About Dyslexia Treatment 

# data[].attributes.subject
Articles have surfaced claiming that ChromaGen-colored lenses have been FDA approved for the treatment of Dyslexia. While the lenses have been approved to aid in the treatment of visual problems, they have not been approved to treat Dyslexia. Find the information that explains and debunks this claim entitled: False Claims Mislead About Dyslexia Treatment 

# data[].attributes.headline
I have many teachers that don’t have an understanding of factual information regarding dyslexia versus myths that are often considered fact. What can I share with them to bust some of these myths? Find the infographic entitled, Dyslexia-Myth vs. Facts

# data[].attributes.subject
I have many teachers that don’t have an understanding of factual information regarding dyslexia versus myths that are often considered fact. What can I share with them to bust some of these myths? Find the infographic entitled, Dyslexia-Myth vs. Facts

# data[].attributes.headline
I often get questions like, “What does dyslexia look like in a first grader?” or “How do I know if my second grader might have dyslexia or just be delayed due to school closures?” Find the infographic entitled, Understanding Dyslexia: What are the Effects of Dyslexia”?

# data[].attributes.subject
I often get questions like, “What does dyslexia look like in a first grader?” or “How do I know if my second grader might have dyslexia or just be delayed due to school closures?” Find the infographic entitled, Understanding Dyslexia: What are the Effects of Dyslexia”?

# data[].attributes.headline
I am a reading specialist, not a special education teacher. I often get questions about dyslexia and the special education process. Of course, I have my special education department and the VDOE resources. But, where can I learn more? Find the  article entitled: Dyslexia in Schools: Assessment and Identification

# data[].attributes.subject
I am a reading specialist, not a special education teacher. I often get questions about dyslexia and the special education process. Of course, I have my special education department and the VDOE resources. But, where can I learn more? Find the  article entitled: Dyslexia in Schools: Assessment and Identification

# data[].attributes.headline
What types of things can parents do to help their  kids read at home? Find the Reading for Meaning with your Child link

# data[].attributes.subject
What types of things can parents do to help their  kids read at home? Find the Reading for Meaning with your Child link

# data[].attributes.headline
I have teachers and caregivers ask about what their students/children should be able to do in regards to reading and writing at certain grade levels. Of course, we have the SOLs, but another checklist would be helpful. Find the Literacy Skills Checklist for caregivers and practitioners.

# data[].attributes.subject
I have teachers and caregivers ask about what their students/children should be able to do in regards to reading and writing at certain grade levels. Of course, we have the SOLs, but another checklist would be helpful. Find the Literacy Skills Checklist for caregivers and practitioners.

# data[].attributes.headline
I have parents ask, “What’s phonics?” “Is it a program?” “What does it look like?” “What is the alphabetic principle I hear about?” Find the Alphabetic Principle and Phonics toolkit

# data[].attributes.subject
I have parents ask, “What’s phonics?” “Is it a program?” “What does it look like?” “What is the alphabetic principle I hear about?” Find the Alphabetic Principle and Phonics toolkit

# data[].attributes.headline
I have parents in my division that need information in Spanish. Are there informational resources available in Spanish? Find the tab for Spanish versions of infographics and the Key Roles for Children’s Literacy Success in English and Spanish

# data[].attributes.subject
I have parents in my division that need information in Spanish. Are there informational resources available in Spanish? Find the tab for Spanish versions of infographics and the Key Roles for Children’s Literacy Success in English and Spanish

# data[].attributes.headline
How can schools increase the knowledge of their staff around understanding the reliability of screening tools? Find the …Understanding Screening: Reliability infographic.

# data[].attributes.subject
How can schools increase the knowledge of their staff around understanding the reliability of screening tools? Find the …Understanding Screening: Reliability infographic.

# data[].attributes.headline
I have kindergarten teachers that ask about how parents can help support early literacy skills at home. Find the Route to Reading: Tune-up at Home infographic

# data[].attributes.subject
I have kindergarten teachers that ask about how parents can help support early literacy skills at home. Find the Route to Reading: Tune-up at Home infographic

# data[].attributes.body
Send home examples and explanations of literacy tasks that parents can implement with their children.

# data[].attributes.body
Communicate with parents: ask them what types of difficulties they see their children having at home when reading.

# data[].attributes.body
Send updates home about what you're teaching students to "do" when reading and writing in class so that they are aware of focus areas on a daily/weekly/quarterly basis.