PreK-12 Public Education Resources Parent Resources

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Literacy: The Keys To Success

These resources help explain the standards (or expectations) for what your child should know and be able to do while reading literature and nonfiction (informational) texts, and then writing about and discussing what he or she has read. Students will use these reading, writing, speaking and listening skills throughout the school day and across content areas. The suggestions for how you can help are examples of ways in which you might support your child’s learning at home. Also included are the links to helpful websites where you can find more information and resources, including videos, about the standards.
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Transitioning to Kindergarten: For Parents

This section of the Transitioning to Kindergarten Toolkit guides you through the process of sharing what you know about your child with the kindergarten teacher who will be working with your child in the new school year. It gives you the opportunity to pass on important information about your child's likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses and any concerns that you may have. If your child is receiving any special services, the information that you provide here can help to ensure that those services continue without gaps into the new school year. Also included are 36 engaging, skill-building activities for you to try at home. Also available in Spanish. (2014)
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Helping Your Child Series

This series of booklets, co-published with the U.S. Department of Education, includes practical suggestions and activities parents can use at home with their children to help them succeed in school. The booklets are ideal for distributing at parent-teacher conferences, open houses, back-to-school nights, and other events that attract a lot of parents. Single copy $1; 65 cents each for orders of 10 or more with further discounts available to affiliates ordering in bulk.
The following booklets are not available for download, but may be ordered by sending a check payable to American Federation of Teachers to: AFT Order Department, 555 New Jersey Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20001. Shipping and handling costs are included.
  • Cómo ayudar a sus hijos a usar la biblioteca (Helping Your Child Use the Library) (1993). 27 pages. Item no. 39-0355.
  • Helping Your Child Learn Responsible Behavior (1993). 44 pages. Item no. 39-0352.
  • Helping Your Child Learn Science (1992). 58 pages. Item no. 39-0354.
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Just Ask!

Just Ask! is part of AFT’s Faculty and College Excellence (FACE) campaign to address the academic staffing crisis in higher education. The Just Ask! program targets parents and students who are in the process of choosing a college or university. As part of their decision-making process we recommend asking four questions about who is teaching undergraduate classes at an institution and how well those faculty members are treated. (March 2009)
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PK-3 English and Spanish Reading Tip Sheets for Parents

Reading, and a love for reading, begins at home and research has shown that children who have a solid foundation in their first language have an easier time learning to read in English. These one-page reading tip sheets offer easy ways for parents to help their children become successful readers—even if parents don't speak English! (April 2007).
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Pathways to Success

English | Spanish
This brochure provides handy information to parents on the key issues affecting schools and their children's education, the main roles and responsibilities of the school system's various components, and helpful academic tips in each core academic subject for every grade from prekindergarten through grade 12. (February 2007)

Public Education Publications and Resources