HowToDoThings.com For Parents

How To Start Parent Teacher Organizations

Sheryl209 — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 09:59:00 -0500

Thanks to the popularity of the song and movie title "Harper Valley PTA," most groups of parents and teachers affiliated with schools are commonly referred to as "PTAs," short for Parent-Teacher Associations. However, in reality, roughly 75% of all such groups in the United States are not PTAs at all, but are really PTOs, Parent Teacher Organizations.

What's the difference? It's not just semantics. A PTA is a local associate group that collects dues and pays them forward into the national PTA. However, a PTO is an independent organization formed by the parents and teachers themselves that is not affiliated with the PTA, that may or may not charge dues at all, and is usually formed as a nonprofit corporation.

How do you start a PTO?

How To Choose a Good High School

Ashtyn198 — Tue, 30 May 2006 09:55:00 -0500

As a parent one of the most important things you can do is make the right educational choices for your children. It is necessary to ensure your children are able to go to a good high school with a qualified and motivated staff that will see to all the needs your children have while in school.

Unfortunately, not all schools are filled with excellent teachers and principals. This is why it is up to you to determine where your child needs to become educated, be it in a public or private school.

How To Get Involved in Your Child's Education

Heather166 — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 17:32:00 -0500

Research has shown that when parents become involved in their child's education, the student performs better than if the parents remain distant. There are many right and wrong ways you can get involved more in your child's education. Try a few of these ideas to make a significant improvement in your involvement.

Ask questions. The best way you can get involved with your child's education is to ask him or her questions. However, you need to try more than just the typical, "What did you do at school today?" Try asking more specific questions about lessons in certain subjects. Do not accept "nothing" as an answer to your questions. Rephrase the question or try a different one to get a response. If your child is resistant to this type of questioning, give it some time, but don't give up!

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