OPINION-EDITORIAL: Relationships key to students’ success in school

A new school year holds the promise of learning that will open so many doors for the children of Montana. Education is still the most important ingredient in ensuring a child's success in life and our state's strength and economic well-being. It is still the great equalizer in our society. Ensuring students' academic achievement takes parents and community members partnering with schools and teachers to promote a quality education.

We all have an opportunity to greatly affect the life of children and prepare them for the future. Building productive and supportive relationships is the key to helping kids meet and overcome the challenges in their lives. Studies repeatedly demonstrate the most effective strategies for success are the ones that employ the four pillars of family, school, community and self.

We know that a parent's involvement with schools is more important than any other factor to a child's success. One of the most important things parents can do is ensure their child receives the guidance and encouragement they need to be successful. When parents communicate regularly with their children's teachers, when they are familiar with homework assignments and the daily classroom routine, children know their education comes first, at home and at school. When teachers and parents work together, they can and do make a difference in the lives of children every day.

Parental involvement in school benefits students in many ways, including improved grades and test scores, increased attendance and homework completion, positive student behavior, increased high school graduation rates and increased enrollment in postsecondary education.

When schools successfully create and sustain strong relationships with parents, there is increased access to resources and information, as well as a shared vision of students succeeding. However, schools cannot succeed in isolation. External support from local communities and businesses is needed to expand partnerships and create an environment that provides opportunities for everyone to become involved in education and participate in decision making.

Finally, students are the core of schools. We want students who can think critically, ask questions, identify and solve problems, and know how to work together. We want students who know and understand their subject areas. When all of us pull together, we can succeed in this mission. We all must encourage students to do well and aspire to be whatever they want to be. With your backing, and that of everyone around them, there is no limit to what our students will achieve this year and in years to come.

At the Office of Public Instruction, we strive to guarantee all students receive a quality public education. Meeting this goal requires all of us - students, families, schools, and communities - to be better informed and work together. The OPI stands ready to provide vision, advocacy, support, and leadership for schools and communities to ensure that all students meet today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities.