Parents make the biggest difference in whether their kids learn science and math and how well prepared they are for the world of work.

• Be positive about science and math. Your attitude sets the tone for how they'll feel about science and math.

• Set high but realistic expectations about achievement

• Get involved: Be consistent about doing homework; talk about how important education is; participate in teacher conferences; talk about specifics of what's happening at school.

Did You Know?

When parents and caring adults are involved in their children's education, kids

• earn higher grades and receive higher scores on tests
• attend school more regularly
• complete more homework
• demonstrate more positive attitudes and behaviors
• graduate from high school at higher rates
• are more likely to enroll in higher education than students with less involved families
  (Source: U.S. Department of Education)

Twenty-two out of the thirty fastest growing occupations are computer and health-related.
(Source: U.S. Department of Labor 2006-2007)

Students of all income levels who take rigorous mathematics and science courses in high school are more likely to go to college.
(Source: U.S. Department of Education)

The top five job growth areas in the next 10 years will require math/science skills and a college degree
(Source: U.S. Dept of Labor 2002-2003)

Students with higher-level mathematics skills earn more.
(Source: National Center for Education Statistics)