Just over half of the respondents to our web survey on how father-inclusive their child’s school is perceive it to be “mostly” or “Fully” inclusive. I wish it were more, but the good news is that fathers’ involvement in their children’s education is on the rise according to a recent (and more sophisticated) study by The National Center for Fathering and the National Parent Teacher Association. Over the past 10 years fathers across the country have been taking their child to school, attending class events, visiting their child’s classroom and volunteering at school more often than ever before. By being actively involved, dads can positively affect their child’s school performance as well as instill in them the tools to not only graduate, but also go on to college and, or a successful career.

Our children spend about the same amount of time at school as most of us do at work. While good parenting starts at home, it must also follow through to this very significant part of your child’s life. By being involved in your child’s education you raise the probability that they will be successful at home, at school and at life.
According to the National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, the following are some easy ways for you to become more involved in your child’s education:

• Check your child’s homework. Make sure to see what was assigned, not just what was finished.
• Join a parent organization at your child's school, like the PTA, to show your child that you care about how he or she does in school.
• Be a chaperone at your child’s next school function or field trip.
• Talk regularly with your child’s coaches, teachers and club leaders.
• Get everyone in the family a library card and start visiting. If you are not sure where the nearest library is, try searching online or ask your child’s teacher.
• Read together with your kids. It’s not just a mom thing. When reading with young children who are still learning, move your finger along with the words as you read. With older kids, take a look at their school reading list and read along with them. Every time you come to the end of a chapter or section, talk about it together. Listen to what they thought and share some thoughts of your own.

There are plenty of resources available on line and through your child's school  that can help you come alongside your child to help both your child and the school succeed in ensuring academic success:

• The U.S. Department of Education offers many resources to help fathers make sure their children get the most out of school, are encouraged to read and have the right planning when it comes to applying to college.
• Reading is Fundamental is an organization that has many suggestions for motivating kids to read, working with their teachers and encouraging struggling readers.
• The National Parent Teacher Association has resources focused specifically on male involvement in a child’s education.
• Scholastic has a variety of free online articles that cover suggested reading for children, educational activities and guides to various school subjects.
• Strong Fathers Strong Families aims to improv the educational environment in order that men may become more involved in the lives of thier children.

Last but not least, I urge you to consider starting a dads volunteer program in your school. The National Center for Fathering has a simple yet powerful program, WATCH D.O.G.S.® (Dads Of Great Students) that brings dads into their children’s school for a day.

WATCH D.O.G.S.® was founded by Jim Moore, a concerned father who chose to take action in response to a 1998 middle-school shooting in Jonesboro, AR. Moore wanted to help prevent violence from occurring at his children’s school or at any school. The first program was launched at George Elementary in Springdale, AR, the school of Moore’s oldest child. Today, more than 1,500 programs in 36 states and New Zealand participate in WATCH D.O.G.S.® Visit Fathers.com for a complete overview of the program and how you can start one in your school.

Don’t let school year plans fall only on mom or the kids. Make plans today on how you will be involved with your child’s education this fall. You, your child and your child’s school will be glad you did.