4 Ways to Stay Involved in Your Preteen's Education

Preteens do better academically when their parents stay involved in their education.

Here's what you can do:

1. Be a physical presence in the school: Attend parent-teacher conferences, sports events and concerts. Volunteer on a school committee or be a chaperone on a field trip or at a dance.
2. Help your kid select electives: Support choices that reflect his special interests.
3. Be an advocate: Get teachers' feedback on your child's progress, and offer instructors your own view of how he's doing.
4. Make the school system work for you: Find out what kinds of resources are available to your pre-teen, and what you can do at home to support teachers' efforts.