Parental Involvement in Education Exploring the parent’s role in a child’s education By Orarean Hooper

Take the Steps of Becoming Involved! Becoming Involved Overcoming Obstacles Why it Matters Quit

Why It Matters Coming together Home

Why Get Involved? Parents can help children develop a healthy sense of self-esteem. Getting involved in your child's life -- at school, in sports or at home -- will not only show her how interested you are in their world, but can also help their self-esteem.

Did you know? Students of involved parents have fewer behavioral problems. The more parental involvement in schools at every level means the more successful the school becomes.

Look at the Stats: Research has shown that earlier a parent gets involved in their child’s educational process, the more powerful the effects. Family participation in education was twice as predictive of students’ academic success as family socioeconomic status.

You’re Not Alone! A lot of parents do not know how to help their children with their education, and/or guidance and support them. But, they may become more involved in home learning activities and find themselves with opportunities to teach, to be models for and to guide their children!

Characteristics of Involved Parents: Establishes a daily family routine. Monitors out-of-school activities. Models the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work. Expresses high but realistic expectations for achievement. Encourages children’s development/progress in school. Encourages reading , writing, and discussions among family members. Home

And how to overcome them Home Obstacles And how to overcome them Home

Single/Working Parents Barrier: Are less likely to be able to attend school functions due to work hours and childcare issues. Solution: Try to change shifts with a coworker. Or ask a friend or relative to attend the event for you and take pictures! Your child will at least know you tried your best to attend.

Not Knowing How to Contribute Barrier: Some parents believe they have talents but don’t know whether they are needed or how to contribute them to the school. Solution: ASK! You’ll be amazed at what schools need help with. Check with your children’s teachers about what you could help with.

Language Needs: Barrier: Parents who don’t speak English may not understand newsletters, fliers, or speakers at meetings. Solution: Translators and ESL programs can help non-English speakers to learn English. Ask your child to help with translations, as well. This benefits you and gives you bonding time! Home

Ways to Be Involved Home

Volunteer While helping out in her classroom or chaperoning a school party can positively influence your child's development and behavior, volunteering together in your community can help shape your little one's values and beliefs.

Education Getting involved in a child's academics and educational environment can help them succeed at school, improve their grades and boost test scores

Sports Getting involved in a child's sports team, or individual sport, can help a parent demonstrate their enjoyment for physical fitness and athletics.

Tips for Parents & Schools: Don’t wait for parents to offer to help; seek them out.  Suggest a few different but specific options of ways they could volunteer. Provide information to help parents access and secure the health and social services they need for themselves and their families.

More Tips Provide printed materials that are sent home and passed out at meetings in all languages spoken by the families in the school. Form carpools to provide transportation to parents without cars. Hold events in community locations that are easy to get to and are near public transportation. If parents can not attend, provide a home visit or a phone call to inform parents and keep them involved.

Sources: Parental Involvement in Learning: Statistics (National Institute for Literacy Updated on Jul 26, 2007) http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Parental_Involvement/ (Statistics) What Research Says About Parental Involvement In Children’s Education http://michigan.gov/documents/Final_Parent_Involvement_Fact_Sheet_14732_7.pdf (Types of Involvement) A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement ( PDF, 1.2 MB, 241 pgs.) A. T. Henderson & K. L. Mapp. (Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, 2002) (Studies) Parent Involvement Current research on parent involvement and the outcomes. (National Middle School Association, 2006) (Obstacles) Home Quit