Parental Roles in a University-Model School®

Primary Teacher - Many University-Model Schools® only offer elective classes for grades 1 and 2, so these students are being schooled in their academic studies at home. A University-Model School will often offer academic workshops to these parents to assist them in the direct teaching of their children. If available, the workshops are designed to help parents eliminate the many hours of preparation and lesson planning and thus give them more time for the one-on-one teaching that is usually quite simple and fun. Emphasis at this level is primarily placed on teaching through games and other attractive and entertaining techniques.

Co-Instructor - In this role, parents will receive instructions from the classroom teacher on a regular basis outlining homework assignments, follow-up study over covered material, and preparation or review needed for the next class. They will also bear the primary responsibility for direct instruction in some aspects of the course, such as spelling, and in monitoring their child's academic progress (including the timely submission of all assignments).

Private Tutor - In courses involving this role, parents receive instructions from the classroom teacher on a regular basis outlining homework assignments, follow-up study over covered material, and any preparation or review needed for the next class. Courses utilizing this role will usually be at the elementary level.

Guide for Dependent Study - This role will usually relate to parents with children in grades 7-10. These students are at a dependent age where disciplined study habits must be developed through positive encouragement and through the students' growing awareness of personal consequences. In order for these classes to be successful, the teachers are dependent upon parents to make certain their children keep up with the course material assigned and to communicate to teachers if difficulties arise. In some cases, private tutoring might be necessary.

Guide to Independent Study - Academic courses at the 11th and 12th grade levels will usually involve this role by the parent. Here, the parent has the opportunity to monitor the independent school work performed by their children while it is still possible for them to provide additional guidance if needed. Courses offered by a University-Model School at this level should mimic that of a junior or community college program where independent study skills and disciplined planning for completing homework assignments are necessary.

Interactive Discussion - In courses utilizing this role (ex. Health courses), parents are expected to interact with their children on teacher-directed topics throughout the semester. Students will then reflect on those interactions through class discussions and written assignments. These courses are designed to place emphasis on the parent-student relationship by emphasizing and reinforcing the values parents are teaching within their home. These courses also provide families with the opportunity to explore and interact on issues that are of importance. especially during the teen years.

Course Monitor - Some courses will involve equipment or expertise which necessitates that teaching be done in the classroom and leaves little for parents at home. This role, therefore, will require the least amount of time by parents, but its importance cannot be understated. The primary responsibility of parents is to track the progress of their children and to monitor how well they are doing. Are they becoming discouraged? Are they enjoying the class? What are the activities being done each day in
class? What are they learning? In short, parents need to show an interest and express this to their children. If problems should develop, teachers need to know immediately.

Project Assistant - Some courses utilizing this role would include different grade levels of drama or music. The primary responsibility of parents is to track the progress of their children and to monitor how well they are doing. They need to have a sincere interest in their children's class activities and express that interest to their children. Furthermore, help at home might be needed occasionally in support of a particular project. If problems should develop, teachers need to know immediately.

Parent Coach - The role of the parent coach is to provide individual practice and instruction to his/her son or daughter at home. The director or team coach will organize the group activity (choir, band, team sport, etc.), direct practices, and communicate to the parent-coaches information and directions concerning regular home practice on individual skills. This role is used primarily for competitive extracurricular activities in grades 1-8 and possibly 9-10.

The Active Supporter - This parental role usually involves competitive class or extracurricular activities designed for 11th and 12th grade students (and possibly 9th and 10th grades as well). In competitive high school programs preparing students for college, conditioning training, practice, and work on individual skills go beyond the expertise of most parents. As a result, parents are instead required to actively support their children through regular attendance at games, performances, and practices or rehearsals. Parents are also encouraged to show their support by participating in booster club activities which usually play a vital role in supporting high school extracurricular programs. At a time when older students are beginning to increase their time away from home as they move gradually toward independence, high school athletics offers parents a regular avenue through which to remain an active part of their children's lives and interests.