MOUNT VERNON — Although middle school students are developing more and more independence, parents still play a vital role in their success at school. According to the National PTA Web site, “Showing our children that we value learning and education is important and will pay off in the long run as they mature. When you’re involved in your child’s education, your child achieves more.”

The PTA, PTO, school/family.com and parents.com all give tips for parents to help increase their children’s success in school. Probably the most important factor is the parents’ attitude toward education and its importance. A parent’s positive attitude toward learning, the school and the teachers impacts the student’s perception of his or her educational experience.

Another way parents can help their children with the transition to middle school is to familiarize themselves with the school and to find out firsthand how the school operates. They should find out if the school has team teaching and whether the students have a different teacher for every subject. They should also check into whether there is a homework hotline or school Web site that lists assignments and due dates.

To facilitate communication between the school and home, parents are advised to get to know the teachers. It’s a good idea to meet each of the student’s teachers and ask about their expectations. Parents need to find out how much time their child should spend on homework each night, and when regularly scheduled tests will be given. They should ask about the best way to get in touch with the teacher if there are any questions, and should not hesitate to schedule a conference of they feel it is needed. If the teachers use e-mail, parents should be sure to get their addresses.

Another tip is for parents to find a niche for themselves at the child’s school. While parent volunteers may not be used as much in a middle school classroom as in elementary schools, there are things parents can do. Parents do, however, need to check with the school about its volunteer policy. Parents can serve as an advisor for an extracurricular activity, such as the school paper, chess club or science fair, or help out in the computer lab.

Parents can also volunteer to chaperone school dances and drive students to school sports competitions. That way they meet other parents, school staff and their child’s classmates. Another way for parents to learn more about the school community is to attend school meetings and events such as concerts, plays, assemblies and other activities.

It is also important for parents to talk to their children about school, and ask specific questions, such as “How do you think you did on the math test?”

About homework, the National Middle School Association had this to say to parents:

“While it sounds like a no-brainer, knowing the purpose of homework is critical in providing the help your son or daughter needs to get the most out of it. First of all, you need to find out the purpose of homework from the teacher who assigns it. Is homework used to finish work begun at school, to provide more practice with new skills or to complete large-scale projects?

“Next, sort out the reasons you want your young adolescent to complete homework. Is it to help develop discipline and a productive work ethic? Finally, frequently speak with your children about the importance of homework, whatever the reasons, so they understand why they are doing it.

“Other tips:

•“Details do count — and so does consistency. Work with your young adolescent to set a regular time, place and duration for homework to be done — not in front of the television and not during commercial breaks. When is the best time for homework to be completed — right after school, before supper, or after supper? Is listening to music allowed? Setting a quiet and undisturbed place to do homework is important.

•“Who’s responsible? The young adolescent whose homework is in question must be responsible — always. If your child is not forthcoming about assignments, you must get the information from the teachers. Don’t do the homework for your young adolescents, but do have them explain to you what they are doing and what they have learned from the homework.

•“Reading is always an appropriate homework assignment. If your son or daughter has no homework, finishes early or simply doesn’t have anything else to do, he or she should be reading. Family members can be excellent role models by making sure that the entire household reads regularly. Keep the television off most of the evening, turning it on only for specific shows, if that.”