Outlines, in three parts, the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), state learning standards, parental practices which can help their child in school, understanding school performance report cards and Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). Part I defines the NCLB as a federal program designed to improve both teaching and learning while providing additional funding for schools (Title I) that meet the qualifying percentage of low-income families. Also explained are state standards that define a core of basic knowledge that all public school students should master. Part II presents a series of checklists that help develop a strong parent/child relationship, a daily routine that encourages learning, and instill positive family expectation and supervision techniques. Tips for creating an effective parent/school relationship include effective communication skills, involvement in the school and community through volunteer opportunities and communication with other parents, as well as establishing regular family study times in the home. Part III describes the specific information contained in the public school Report Cards, which are an integral part of the NCLB and state standards process. Data describing class size, teacher certification levels, and the academic performance of the school must be included on the Report Card. If a Title I school does not show AYP for two years in a row, then it is “in need of improvement” and parents have the choice of transferring their children to another public school. Parental notification procedures and transfer requirements are discussed. If a school does not achieve acceptable AYP for three years in a row, it must offer supplemental educational services.
