from Dr. Spitulnik's article in the Superintendents Newsletter January 2012 edition
Show that school is important for you and your child. What your child knows about school has a lot to do with the example you set. If you show an interest in school, your child learns that school is important. This could be the most important lesson of your child’s school career.
Set high expectations for your child’s education. Children whose parents have high academic expectations and who offer consistent encouragement for college and careers are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.
Work directly with your child on learning assignments. The most effective forms of parent involvement are those which engage parents in working directly with their children on learning activities at home. This is always easier at the elementary level, when you can help your child complete assignments and projects. At the middle and high school level, check in with your child every day to see what assignments they have to complete. Help them plan for long-term projects by setting up work calendars.
Talk to and listen to your child. Talk to your child about how school and friendships are going, and share stories from your own life to help make connections. Listen to their problems without being judgmental, and offer suggestions for working through difficulties.
Build a partnership with your child’s teachers. When parents and teachers work together, everyone benefits: students tend to earn higher grades, perform better on tests, attend school more regularly, have better behavior, and show more positive attitudes toward themselves and toward school. Let the teachers know that you’re invested in your child’s success, and ask them to contact you with both good and bad news. Work together to solve any learning or behavior problems that arise.