Today, experts say a high school education is the minimum that workers will need to support themselves.

As a parent, you can take some important steps to make sure your child earns that all-important high school diploma. Here are four things you can do to make sure your teen stays in school:

1. Help him set goals. Teens who know what they want to attain will stay in school. Whether your child wants to be a doctor or a carpenter, an education is important. Talk with your child so he sees that what he learns today will help him in the future.

2. Teach your child that failure is something that can happen to you, not something you are. At one time or another, everyone fails at something they try. Help your child remember that she can try again . . . and again . . . until she is successful.

3. Make sure your child attends school regularly. Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in school success. See that your child is in class, and when she wants to stay at home, make sure she’s not just pretending to be sick.

4. Get involved with your child’s school. Actions really do speak louder than words. When your child sees you in the halls or in the classrooms, he’ll get the message that school is important.

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