How to Help Your Child with Homework

Families play a vital role in educating America's children. What families do is more important to student success than whether they are rich or poor, whether parents have finished high school or not, or whether children are in elementary, junior high, or high school.

Yet, for all that common sense and research tell us, family involvement often remains neglected in the debate about American school reform. To focus more attention on this important subject, the U.S. Congress recently added to an initial list of six National Education Goals another that states:Every school will promote partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of children.

We know that children who spend more time on homework, on average, do better in school, and that the academic benefits increase as children move into the upper grades. But the value of homework extends beyond school. We know that good assignments, completed successfully, can help children develop wholesome habits and attitudes. Homework can help parents learn about their children's education and communicate both with their children and the schools. And it can encourage a lifelong love of learning.

In addition to helping with homework, there are many other important ways that parents can help their children learn. Parents can encourage children to spend more leisure time reading than watching television. They can talk with their children and communicate positive behaviors, values, and character traits. They can keep in touch with the school. And they can express high expectations for children and encourage their efforts to achieve.

Indeed, family involvement in education is crucial if we want our children to succeed in school and throughout life.

-Sharon P. RobinsonAssistant SecretaryOffice of Educational Research and Improvement