Family Ministry

Purpose

The purpose of the Family Ministry Program is to:

1) preserve, promote, and put into practice the Foundations of doctrine, philosophy, and major objectives of this ministry

2) keep parents confident, competent, encouraged, and involved with their children 

3) integrate age-appropriate character instruction into the Academic and Student Activities programs

4) enforce the Academy’s policies of behavior and procedures of correction and discipline in such a way that spiritual and character growth are encouraged

Parental Roles in a University-Model ® School

 

 

Co-Teacher – 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 for 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 schoolwork 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.

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.