Turning the Tide How Oklahoma families can strengthen student success BY REBECCA FAST . PHOTOS PROVIDED
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O klahoma faces significant challenges in education, and the good news is that families play a powerful role in the solution. Research shows that consistent parental support is essential to a student’s long-term educational achievements. In fact, studies show that a parent’s attitude and actions toward education are some of the most powerful factors influencing their child’s academic success. But where do parents begin? How can families best support learning at school and at home? To help answer these questions, the nonprofit organization Oklahoma Education Impact Initiative (OKEII) has provided a comprehensive Family Resource Library to support families with children in preschool through high school. OKEII’s mission is to transform Oklahoma’s K-12 public education system through strategic, data-driven solutions.
Reading to your child, teaching them to handle disappointment constructively, instilling respect for authority and fostering good communication skills can greatly impact your child’s learning experience.” Curry also shares that setting clear expectations is one of the most powerful ways to boost student success. “How we speak to our children matters,” said Curry. “The difference between saying ‘when you pass the test’ versus ‘if you pass’ is subtle but significant because it expresses a greater confidence in your child’s ability and sets a positive expectation for the future.”
Collaboration is Key Dan Hamlin, Ph.D., an associate professor of education policy and research director of the Oklahoma Center for Educational Policy at the University of Oklahoma, also serves as a research advisor for OKEII and was recently named Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education. His academic research examines the impact of education policies on student health and safety, family engagement, school climate and school choice.
How can parents support learning at home Kathy Curry, Ed.D., a research
adviser for OKEII, offers practical insights to help parents nurture their child’s love of learning based on her research in family engagement in education, social learning environments and international perspectives on education systems around the world. She is also a professor and the Williams Chair of Higher Education in the Educational Leadership and School Administration program at Oklahoma State University.
Prior to his appointment, Hamlin shared some insight on OKEII’s research initiative to understand how parents, educators and community members view Oklahoma’s public education system. “Among the survey results was a key takeaway — respondents understood that parents and students hold a great deal of responsibility in the areas of student behavior, attendance and overall improved performance outcomes,” said Hamlin. “The survey responses were very self-reflective. Families and the general public indicated a shared responsibility in strengthening schools. “Oklahomans know that when families, caregivers and schools work as a team, the entire education system benefits.”
“It’s important for families to remember that they are their child’s first teacher,” said Curry. “They have a very strong influence on the educational outcomes through the support they give at home.
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