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Parental Role Descriptions
In the University Model School the parent directs the education of the student. To facilitate the parent's involvement in the education process, job titles and job descriptions are assigned to each course the student is enrolled in. Below are the descriptions of each parent role listed for the courses above.
1. Guide for Dependent Study.
This role usually applies to parents with children in grades 7 through 10.
Several academic courses at this level begin to cover subject matter that is unfamiliar to many parents. At the same time, the student is at a dependent age where disciplined study habits must be developed, not by
parental force, but through positive encouragement and through the student's growing awareness of personal
consequences. In order for the class to be successful, the teacher is dependent upon the parent to make certain
that the son or daughter keeps up with the course assignments and communicates with the teacher if difficulties
arise. In some cases, private tutoring by someone other than the parent may be necessary.
2. Guide for Independent Study.
Academic courses at the 11th and 12th grade levels usually design this role
for the parent. Here, parents have the opportunity to supervise the progress of their son or daughter's independent
schoolwork and provide any additional guidance they may need before entering college. Courses offered at this
level will mimic that of a junior college program or higher where independent study and research skills, time
management skills, a strong work ethic, and self-discipline are essential.
3. Project Assistant. With projects, parental mentoring is needed on a more intermittent basis. This role is in
many respects similar to that of the Course Monitor; however, at one or more times during the semester, help
at home might be needed in support of a particular project. Drama courses, for example, might involve additional
help for student costuming, making puppets, working on sets, etc.
4. Parent Coach. The role of the Parent Coach is to provide at-home, individual practice and instruction for
students who are involved in athletics and/or the arts (drama, choir, band). The head coach or director will
organize the overall activity, lead group practices, and communicate with parent coaches the information and
directions they will need for conducting home practices on individual skills.
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