A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

America Goes Back to School - Information for Families and Community Members

7 Good Practices for Families

	Make time for your children--those moments talking during evening meals and visiting the library, museum or zoo together make a difference.
	Read together. It's the starting point of all learning. Read with your youngsters 30 minutes a day. Share a good book with your teen.
	Use TV wisely. Limit viewing to no more than two hours a day.
	Stay in regular contact with your child's teachers and principal.
	Encourage your children to take challenging courses at school. Check homework every day.
	Know where your children are, especially your teens. Support after-school and summer programs. Help connect kids to service opportunities through the schools and youth leadership, community and religious groups.
	Talk directly to your children about the values you want them to have and about the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. And listen to them, too!

For more information about research and tips on family and community involvement in education call 1-800-USA-LEARN, or visit http://www.ed.gov/.