Parental Roles in a University-Model School

ELEMENTARY PARENTS (K-5) – Parents will receive instructions from the classroom teacher on a regular basis outlining homework assignments, follow-up study over covered material, and preparation or review needed for the next class. They will also bear the primary responsibility for direct instruction in some aspects of the course, such as spelling, in monitoring their child’s academic progress, and the timely submission of assignments.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS (6-8) – Theses students are at a dependent age where disciplined study habits must be developed through positive encouragement and through the students’ growing awareness of personal consequences. In order for these classes to be successful, the teachers are dependent upon parents to make certain their children keep up with the course material assigned and to communicate to teachers if difficulties arise. In some cases additional parental mentoring may be necessary.

HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE TRANSITION (9-12) – The parent has the opportunity to monitor the independent school work performed by their children while it is still possible for them to provide additional guidance if needed. Courses offered by a University-Model School at this level should mimic that of a junior or community college program where independent study skills and disciplined planning for completing homework assignments are necessary. Some courses will involve equipment or expertise which necessitates that teaching be done in the classroom and leaves little for parents at home. This role, therefore, will require the least amount of time by parents, but its importance cannot be understated. The primary responsibility of parents is to track the progress of their children and to monitor how well they are doing. Are they becoming discouraged? Are they enjoying the class? What are the activities being done each day in class? What are they learning? In short, parents need to show an interest and express this to their children.

ALL GRADES – CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - Parents are expected to interact with their children on teacher-directed topics throughout the semester. Students will then reflect on those interactions through class discussions and written assignments. These courses are designed to place emphasis on the parent-student relationship by emphasizing and reinforcing the values parents are teaching within their home. These courses also provide families with the opportunity to explore and interact on issues that are of importance, especially during the teen years.