One of the primary differences between the elementary school and secondary school experience is the vast change in parent involvement. Schools report that the parents who served as room parents or showed up at every PTA meeting often "drop out" by the time their child reaches high school.

Why? At this crucial time, teens need more input from parents, not less.

So what is going on here? You wouldn't miss a ball game, play or award ceremony. So don't be content with a twice-a-year contact with school at parent-teacher conferences. Get to know the principal; meet your teen's counselor.

Schools Desire Healthy Parent-Teacher Communication

The good news for parents of teenagers these days is that more and more school professionals view parents as partners rather than as passive recipients of teacher advice. Teachers and administrators increasingly invite parent involvement in education, reducing the feelings many parents have had of being patronized -- one of the barriers to parent-teacher communication.

Understanding the importance of establishing good communication and being able to accomplish it, however, are two different things.

Large school campuses and complex scheduling can be intimidating. Whom do you contact? How do you make known your willingness to serve? Where do you go with concerns or questions?

Tips for Parent Involvement in Education at High Schools

The following suggestions can help you find your way through the maze: 

  • Believe that your involvement -- even in times of trouble -- is desired. As a high school staff member, I have frequently received phone calls from parents who had already made up their minds about a situation, and their attitude was angry, defensive, and threatening. The school business is no different from any other--the customer does come first, particularly in this age of school choice. Remembering this when you call will allow you to give the school the benefit of the doubt, and can lead to solutions rather than tension. Most teachers have solid reasons for making choices, but none are infallible. Give them the opportunity to explain or to make corrections. 
  • Talk to the right person first. Is the problem or concern in a classroom? Contact the teacher, not the principal. Have a question about a school sports policy? Call the athletic director, not the coach. Wonder how to get involved with district school planning? Call the superintendent's office, not a school board member. Find out when your child's teachers have planning periods, and contact them then. Do they have a voicemail system? Leave a message that sounds friendly, states what you need and when you will be available for a return call. These are all simple measures, but they will create a positive climate for conversation, spark real change and increase your opportunities for involvement at every level. 
  • Offer to help. If you work during the day, are there committees that meet in the evening that tie in with your child's classes? Often, foreign language classes have clubs that meet on weekends, science classes promote teams that train in the evening, and environmental classes support Saturday cleanups. Newsletters for specialized classes need to be composed, printed and sent out. Offer to help keep the school library open on Saturday mornings or Sunday afternoons. If you offer your time, creative teachers will find a way to involve you -- and your child will benefit. 
  • Be persistent! Some teachers, accustomed to doing everything themselves, may have a hard time figuring out how to best use you, so don't hesitate to offer suggestions. Once you make the connection, you will discover many ways to stay involved. Your influence will be felt, your support will be obvious and opportunities for strong impact will come your way. 

Ginger Sisson is the media specialist at Grandville High School in Grandville, Michigan.