Web resources can help strengthen the home/school relationship.
Ensuring that there's a strong connection between school and home is a great way to strengthen the education of students. The Internet offers countless resources for concerned parents and home-based educators; here's a sample of just a few of the great sites out there.
NetSmartzKids.org gives students pointers on Web Safety.
American Library Association's Great Web Sites for Kids: This reference portal features dozens of links organized into categories such as literature and languages, mathematics and computers, the arts, and more.
North American Council for Online Learning (NACOL): NACOL offers Webinars, research reports, and a monthly newsletter about online learning benefits and opportunities, as well as a clearinghouse of online learning programs.
How to Study.com: This site offers useful help with note-taking, writing research papers, listening well in class, solving math problems, using reference sources, alleviating test anxiety, and more.
Welcome to SafeKids.com: "Let's be careful out there!" takes on new meaning in a time when recess is more likely to be spent on the computer than the playground. The product of Los Angeles Times columnist Larry Magid, this site represents his efforts to make the Internet fun, safe, and productive. Other good safety sites include CyberNetiquette Comix and NetSmartz Kids.
PTO Today: Involved K-8 parent group leaders will appreciate the resources available at the site of the magazine PTO Today. Postings include tips to strengthen parental involvement as well as helpful advice for directing successful fund-raising projects.
No Child Left Behind: Key facts and terms of interest to parents are available for reference at this NCLB site. There's also information for parents about free tutoring opportunities.
Critical Issue: Supporting Ways Parents and Families Can Become Involved in Schools: Find out more about the benefits of parental involvement at this North Central Regional Educational Library Web site.
Carol S. Holzberg, Ph.D. is district instructional technology coordinator for Greenfield Public Schools in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
