As quickly as children step foot on the school bus, parents can expect to see them stepping off of the bus with homework and study material for tests. The U.S. Department of Education reports that kids who complete more homework have and tend to score higher on standardized tests and get better grades than students who do less towards their homework assignments.

When focusing on homework, experts agree that parents can really help their children be creating a study spot in the home that makes children feel comfortable, organized and focused.

Several parents allow their children to set up shop at the kitchen table. Some parents do this so the children are accessible and able to ask for help. Some studies are showing that the central part of the house may not be the best place to study after all. Because of constant distractions such as visitors, phone calls, the television, pets and other traffic, children may sometimes find it difficult to focus ending up wasting valuable time that could be used to learn and possibly improve their test scores.

The National Education Association (NEA) and other resources recommend creating a quiet place that can be used to study. They suggest ensuring that the area is well lit and free of distractions. They also propose that parents stock the area with supplies, a computer if possible and all types of resources that could assist their children. Above all, experts recommend parents keeping the workstation organized. There have been a number of studies done on the subject of quiet environments and how they contribute to academic success. Many researchers have concluded that managing noise and distraction in the home is something that all parents can achieve and control and that by doing so parents are contributing to the enhancement

South Elementary School counselor Jennifer Nigut has some useful tips available to both students and parents interested in the subject.

There is a multitude of take-home information available in schools that can give a variety of suggestions relating to helping children be successful students.

Nigut has several pamphlets available, one of them called "10 Ways to help Your Child Do Better on Tests." In addition to creating a comfortable study environment, there are other ways schools believe you can help your child perform better on test day.

"Reviewing subject matter together for upcoming tests is highly recommended in most of the pamphlets and material we have to offer," Nigut said. "When parents participate in their child's study habits and test preparation it really makes a different in how the child performs."

Other things Nigut said parents can do is to put a positive spin on learning and remind your child that they have your support.

When setting your child up in his study area, Nigut said that giving him plenty of study tools and supplies makes a big impact on what he takes in. Flash cards, practice tests, study sheets, and colorful poster boards can add a lot to what your child gets out of his or her time.

The Parent Institute supports the idea of keeping flash cards in a student's study spot. The institute says that flash cards are a great way to review everything from math facts to vocabulary words and can also be used to memorize speeches and presentations. Practice tests, study sheets and poster boards allow many subjects to be covered and can help with focusing on key facts that will need to be understood for tests and review.

For parents who worry that they don't have the resources their children may need in the study spot, such as a home computer and printer, there are answers.

Gayle Mitchell from the Dunklin County Caring Council in Kennett said that parents have resources all around them throughout the community. The Caring Council offers a computer lab which is available until around 4:30 p.m., and can be used by simply making a request.

Mitchell also said that computer and Internet availability is offered at the Kennett Housing Authority and in the Dunklin County Library.

"I would suggest that parents and students simply call and check the availability and take advantage of the service," Mitchell said. "I also recommend to parents that they check into before and after school programs. See what your school has to offer your child, it can be a substantial help to your child's academic success."

Before and after school programs are designed to give students an advantage by helping them learn outside of the normal classroom setting and time. Mitchell felt that in the past there have been many students in the Kennett school district that have taken advantage of these type of programs.

The bottom line for most experts and those involved in the school system, is that parents step up and become involved in their children's future by being involved now.

"I think that it is extremely important for parents to be involved in their child's learning process," Nigut said. "It can only help."