The following is a list of materials we offer online. These materials are PDF files and require software capable of viewing PDF files (such as Adobe's free Acrobat Reader). Some items are also available in Spanish (look for the español indicator).
Parent Involvement
100 Tips for Parents
24 pages
ND State PIRC/US Dept of Education
These tips have been created to help you become more involved in your child’s education. As a more involved parent, you improve your child’s chances to be successful in school. For each topic, you will find suggestions for how you can obtain additional information
and assistance.
Download: PDF (511kb)
Key Benefits to Your Child's Education
8 pages
ND State PIRC/DPI
Guide to education law for parents.
Download: PDF (524kb)
Reading
Big Dreams: A Family Book About Reading
20 pages
National Institute for Literacy
This family booklet about reading is aimed at parents of children in preschool through 3rd grade. The simple text provides ideas for parents of all literacy skill levels to read with their children and find lessons for reading in everyday activities.
Download: PDF (808kb)
A Child Becomes A Reader: Birth Through Preschool
36 pages
National Institute for Literacy
Provides ideas for parents and caregivers for playing, talking, and reading with children that will help them become good readers and writers later in life. This publication contains a short summary of what scientific research says about how children learn to read and write, things to do with children from birth through age two to help them become readers, things to with children between ages three to four and what to look for in quality day care centers and preschools to help children become readers, and more.
Download: PDF (510kb)
A Child Becomes A Reader: Kindergarten Through Grade 3
68 pages
National Institute for Literacy
Includes ideas about how parents can help their child become a reader when they talk, play, and read together. This booklet also provides ideas about what effective literacy programs look like in day care centers, preschools, and classrooms. It is specifically written for parents with children in kindergarten through grade 3.
Download: PDF (770kb)
Dad's Playbook - Coaching Kids to Read
8 pages
National Institute for Literacy
Research collected by the National Institute for Literacy suggests fathers can make a huge difference in their children's success at school, even if they do not live with or near their children. Dad's Playbook: Coaching Kids to Read is a colorful booklet for dads to improve the quality of time they spend with their children by teaching them about the skills children need to become strong readers.
Download: PDF (722kb)
Literacy Begins At Home: Teach Them To Read
8 pages
National Institute for Literacy
Parents, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. When you send them back to school, give your children the gift of a lifetime - teach them to read.
Download: PDF (1081kb)
Put Reading First: The Research Building Blocks for Teaching Children to Read
66 pages
National Institute for Literacy
This booklet summarizes for teachers what researchers have discovered about how to teach children to read successfully. It describes the findings of the National Reading Panel Report and provides analysis and discussion in five areas of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and text comprehension. Each section suggests implications for classroom instruction and provides other information.
Download: PDF (1304kb)
Put Reading First: Helping Your Child Learn to Read
8 pages
National Institute for Literacy
This brochure, designed for parents of young children, describes the kinds of early literacy activities that should take place at school and at home to help children learn to read successfully. It is based on the findings of the National Reading Panel.
Download: PDF (835kb)
Shining Stars: Toddlers Learn To Read
9 pages
National Institute for Literacy
This publication provides parents with ways to help their toddler-age children learn to read; it includes activities parents can use to build reading skills and a checklist of developmental skills parents can apply to their children.
Download: PDF (851kb)
Shining Stars: Preschoolers Learn To Read
9 pages
National Institute for Literacy
This publication provides parents with ways to help their preschool-age children learn to read; it includes activities parents can use to build reading skills and a checklist of developmental skills parents can apply to their children.
Download: PDF (406kb)
Shining Stars: Kindergartners Learn To Read
9 pages
National Institute for Literacy
This publication provides parents with ways to help their kindergarten-age children learn to read; it includes activities parents can use to build reading skills and a checklist of developmental skills parents can apply to their children.
Download: PDF (337kb)
Shining Stars: First Graders Learn To Read
9 pages
National Institute for Literacy
This publication provides parents with ways to help their first grade children learn to read; it includes activities parents can use to build reading skills and a checklist of developmental skills parents can apply to their children.
Download: PDF (321kb)
Shining Stars: Second & Third Graders Learn To Read
9 pages
National Institute for Literacy
This publication provides parents with ways to help their second and third grade children learn to read; it includes activities parents can use to build reading skills and a checklist of developmental skills parents can apply to their children.
Download: PDF (409kb)
Math
Improving Mathematics Achievement: What Parents and Families Can Do
4 pages
US Dept of Education
Explains why math is important for your child, offers tips for ways to help your child be successful in math, and tells you what you should expect from your child's math class.
Download: PDF (230kb)
No Child Left Behind/Title I
Choosing A School For Your Child
54 pages
US Dept of Education
Offers step-by-step advice to parents on how to choose among the schools available to their children, and identifies important factors to consider before making a decision. This booklet explains some of the public school choices now available in many communities and covers private school options that also may be available. It also highlights new options provided under the No Child Left Behind Act.
Download: PDF (1421kb) • PDF (español) (1288kb)
A Guide to the Tool Kit for Hispanic Families
16 pages
US Dept of Education
This toolkit will show you what to expect from your schools, your teachers and your child, at all ages and grade levels. It will tell you how to help your child through school, what resources are available, and what you, your family and your community can do to help your child learn.
Download: PDF (756kb) • PDF (español) (1414kb)
Information Regarding Your Title I Program
6 pages
ND Department of Public Instruction
This brochure contains information about Title I specific to North Dakota from the State Department of Public Instruction.
Download: PDF (47kb)
Innovations in Education: Alternative Routes to Teacher Certification
70 pages
US Dept of Education
This guide looks at new routes to teacher certification as they play out in six programs in different states, examining how these initiatives go about recruiting strong candidates and ensuring that their teachers are well-equipped to serve today’s students.
Download: PDF (1302kb)
Innovations in Education: Creating Strong District School Choice Programs
64 pages
US Dept of Education
This publication, which focuses on the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act's public school choice provisions, is the first in the Innovations in Education series.
Download: PDF (5440kb)
Innovations in Education: Creating Strong Supplemental Educational Services Programs
72 pages
US Dept of Education
This publication, which focuses on the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act's supplemental educational services provisions, is the second in the Innovations in Education series.
Download: PDF (5870kb)
No Child Left Behind: A Parents Guide
44 pages
US Dept of Education
This guide is meant to provide information about No Child Left Behind. It summarizes the main provisions of the law, answers common questions, and provides information on where you can find additional resources.
Download: PDF (202kb) • PDF (español) (375kb)
No Child Left Behind: A Toolkit for Teachers
76 pages
US Dept of Education
This publication explains the teacher quality provisions of NCLB and how the law supports teachers.
Download: PDF (2604kb)
No Child Left Behind: What Parents Need To Know
16 pages
US Dept of Education
Provides information to parents about the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This publication explains the importance of NCLB, and how NCLB benefits parents and children. Tips for helping children succeed in school, and how to get more information about NCLB are also included.
Download: PDF (3531kb) • PDF (español) (5791kb)
A Parents’ Guide to The No Child Left Behind Act
6 pages
ND Department of Public Instruction
This brochure contains information about No Child Left Behind specific to North Dakota from the State Department of Public Instruction.
Download: PDF (71kb)
Questions Parents Ask About Schools
11 pages
US Dept of Education
This publication provides answers to commonly asked questions on topics such as getting ready for school, monitoring school, helping with reading and working with schools and teachers. It is recommended for parents of elementary- and middle-school-aged children who want to help their children learn and succeed. This brochure suggests effective ways parents can support their children’s education. The research-based tips in this publication provide both practical guidance and valuable information about a range of topics.
Download: PDF (993kb) • PDF (español) (1011kb)
Title I
6 pages
ND Department of Public Instruction
This fact sheet explains Title I in simple terms.
Download: PDF (167kb)
Helping Your Child Series
Helping Your Child Become a Reader
54 pages
US Dept of Education
Other than helping their children to grow up healthy and happy, the most important thing that parents can do is to help them develop their reading skills. This booklet offers pointers on how to build the language skills of young children, from infancy to age 6, and provides numerous activities to boost children’s love of reading. It includes a list of typical language accomplishments for different age groups, suggestions for books children will love, and resources for children with reading problems or learning disabilities.
Download: PDF (671kb) • PDF (español) (710kb)
Helping Your Child Become a Responsible Citizen
43 pages
US Dept of Education
Just as children must be taught to read and write, solve math problems and understand science concepts and events in history, so must they be guided in developing the qualities of character that are valued by their families and by the communities in which they live. This booklet provides information about the values and skills that make up character and good citizenship and what parents can do to help children develop strong character. It suggests activities that parents and school-aged children can do to put those values to work in their daily lives and tips for working with teachers and schools to ensure that they act together to promote the basic values they want their children to learn and use.
Download: PDF (661kb) • PDF (español) (1568kb)
Helping Your Child Learn History
41 pages
US Dept of Education
A guide for the parents of young children who want to teach their youngsters about history. Activities for children aged 4-11 are included.
Download: PDF (2330kb)
Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics
43 pages
US Dept of Education
Our increasingly technological world demands strong skills in math, not only in the workforce but also in every-day life, and these demands will only increase over the lifetimes of our children. The major portion of this booklet is made up of fun activities that parents can use with children from preschool age through grade 5 to strengthen their math skills and build strong, positive attitudes toward math.
Download: PDF (782kb) • PDF (español) (2076kb)
Helping Your Child Learn Science
39 pages
US Dept of Education
Every day is filled with opportunities to learn science—without expensive chemistry sets or books. Parents don’t need degrees in chemistry or physics to help their children learn science. All that is needed is a willingness to observe and learn with them and, above all, to make an effort and take the time to nurture their natural curiosity. This booklet provides parents of children ages 3 through 10 with information, tools and activities they can use in the home and community to help their child develop an interest in the sciences and learn about the world around them.
Download: PDF (1635kb) • PDF (español) (1633kb)
Helping Your Child Succeed in School
48 pages
US Dept of Education
Every child has the power to succeed in school and in life and every parent, family member and caregiver can help. This booklet provides parents with information, tools and activities they can use in the home to help their child develop the skills critical to academic success.
Download: PDF (571kb) • PDF (español) (579kb)
Helping Your Child Through Early Adolescence
49 pages
US Dept of Education
Learning as much as possible about the world of early adolescents is an important step toward help ing children through the fascinating, confusing and wonderful years from ages 10 to 14. Based on the latest research in adolescent development and learning, this booklet addresses questions, provides suggestions and tackles issues that parents of young teens generally find most challenging.
Download: PDF (1957kb) • PDF (español) (1945kb)
Helping Your Child With Homework
25 pages
US Dept of Education
Homework can help children to develop positive study skills and habits, improve their thinking and memory abilities, and encourage them to use time well, learn independently and take responsibility for their work. This booklet helps parents of elementary and middle school students understand why homework is important, and provides suggestions for helping children complete assignments successfully.
Download: PDF (387kb) • PDF (español) (1165kb)
Helping Your Preschool Child
37 pages
US Dept of Education
How well children will learn and develop and how well they will do in school depends on a number of things, including their health and physical well-being, social and emotional preparation, language skills and general knowledge of the world. This booklet highlights techniques parents can use to encourage their children to develop the skills necessary for success in school and life by focusing on activities that make learning fun.
Download: PDF (759kb) • PDF (español) (1690kb)
Early Childhood
Teaching Our Youngest — A Guide for Preschool Teachers and Child Care and Family Providers
48 pages
US Dept of Education
This booklet draws from scientifically based research about what can be done to help children develop their language abilities, increase their knowledge, become familiar with books and other printed materials, learn letters and sounds, recognize numbers and learn to count. Many examples of strategies for teaching these skills are included here. Also included are examples of ways to create an environment in preschool classrooms that will nurture children’s natural curiosity and their zest for learning.
Download: PDF (162kb)
FERPA
Parents' Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act: Rights Regarding Children’s Education Records
48 pages
US Dept of Education
This pamphlet offers following questions and answers which are intended to help you understand your rights as a parent under FERPA.
Download: PDF (162kb)
Character Education
Character Education... Our Shared Responsibility
1 page
US Dept of Education
This brochure emphasizes the importance of character education. It was developed to inform parents, educators and the community about the Department’s support, resources and involvement in character education.
Download: PDF (249kb) • PDF (español) (235kb)
Drugs & Alcohol
Tips for Teens: Alcohol
2 pages
SAMHSA
This brochure explains what alcohol does to your body, how alcohol can affect your life even if you’re not drinking, and how to know if a friend has a drinking problem.
Download: PDF (472kb)
Tips for Teens: Cocaine
2 pages
SAMHSA
This brochure explains how cocaine affects your body and explains the dangers of using this drug.
Download: PDF (468kb)
Tips for Teens: Club Drugs
2 pages
SAMHSA
Think using club drugs is all part of the party? Read this brochure to learn how club drugs such as ecstasy, GHB, ketamine, and rohypnol affect your body, what the risks are, and how to know if a friend is using these drugs.
Download: PDF (438kb)
Tips for Teens: Hallucinogens
2 pages
SAMHSA
Read this brochure to learn how hallucinogens such as LSD, psilocybin, PCP, and ecstasy affect your body and mind. It also explains the risks of these drugs and how you can help a friend who is using hallucinogens.
Download: PDF (469kb)
Tips for Teens: Heroin
2 pages
SAMHSA
Check out this brochure to learn about the dangers of using heroin, including how it affects your body. It also explains how you can know if a friend is using heroin and what you can do to help them.
Download: PDF (456kb)
Tips for Teens: Inhalants
2 pages
SAMHSA
These may be common household products, but inhalants can cause serious side effects, including death. Read this brochure and learn about how inhalants affect the body and how dangerous they really are.
Download: PDF (459kb)
Tips for Teens: Marijuana
2 pages
SAMHSA
This brochure explains how marijuana affects your body and explains the dangers of using this drug.
Download: PDF (461kb)
Tips for Teens: Methamphetamine
2 pages
SAMHSA
This brochure explains how meth affects your body and explains the dangers of using this drug.
Download: PDF (454kb)
Tips for Teens: Steroids
2 pages
SAMHSA
This brochure provides teens with information about the dangers of steroid abuse.
Download: PDF (468kb)
Bullying Prevention
Bullying is Not a Fact of Life
40 pages
SAMHSA
This booklet contains information for caregivers who are concerned that a child might be being bullied or be bullying other children. It describes the steps that parents and schools can take, together, to help prevent bullying.
Download: PDF (1104kb)
Preventing Bullying: A Manual for Schools and Communities
19 pages
US Dept of Education
Children are threatened, teased, taunted, and tormented by schoolyard bullies every day in the nation's schools. Bullying can interfere with learning and often leads to greater and prolonged violence. Research and experience suggest that comprehensive action involving teachers and other school staff, students, parents, and community members are likely to be more effective than purely classroom-based approaches.
Download: PDF (1262kb)
Take Action Against Bullying
12 pages
SAMHSA
This guide provides an overview of bullying behaviors, their effects, and some preventative measures.
Download: PDF (362kb)
Health
Parents + Schools = Healthy Kids
6 pages
ND Department of Public Instruction
Support healthy food, quality physical education and hands-on nutrition education in your child’s school.
Download: PDF (229kb)
