1. Sharon F. Andrews, Ed.D. The Importance of Parent
Involvement in Schools
Sharon F. Andrews, Ed.D.

2. Parent Involvement Why is parental involvement so important?
How do I get involved at school?
What if I am busy during school – how can I get involved?
I need specific suggestions of how to help, both at home and at school!
And, what about homework? Help!!!
Can I get more information?

3. Benefits of Parent Involvement
Higher grades and test scores
Better attitudes and behavior
Better school attendance
More homework completed
Greater likelihood of graduating from high school
Better chance of enrolling in postsecondary education
Schools improve for all
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4. Being Involved During School
Attend school programs.
Read the school newsletter.
Visit your child's classroom 
Volunteer to help in the classroom as an assistant
Get to know your child's teachers.
Support your child in school activities.
Spend time at the school as a volunteer or visitor.
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5. Being Involved After School
Offer to call other parents to notify them of school events.
Attend open houses and back-to-school nights.
Help edit the school newsletter.
Join the parent-teacher association.
Take part in after-school events.
Support student events and performances by helping with them, and by attending them. 
Be part of decision-making committees about school issues and problems
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6. Suggestions for Parents
Before School
Communication with Teachers and Staff
Communication with Your Child
The Home Environment
Positive Reinforcement
Other Ways to Help
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7. Before School
Make sure your child gets to school on time and is well-rested.
Make sure your child has a good breakfast before school.
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8. Communication with Teachers and School Staff
Attend open houses and parent-teacher conferences.
Answer notes and calls from your child’s teacher.
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9. Communication with Your Child
Encourage your child to share information about school and respond with empathy.
Ask specific questions about what happens at school each day and how your children feel about it.
Discuss what your child reads.
Ask about homework assignments daily.
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10. The Home Environment The Home Environment
Keep books, magazines, and newspapers in your home.
Set a regular family quiet time for study and homework.
Provide a suitable place for study that is comfortable, with good lighting, quiet, and away from distractions.
Limit television, computer, and video game time.
Establish rules and routines at home.
Limit after-school jobs and activities.
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11. Positive Reinforcement
Praise your child for doing well. Make praise a habit.
Celebrate your child’s successes.
Proudly display your child’s school projects and work.
Speak positively about your child’s teachers and counselors.
Talk to your child about the benefits of education.
Avoid making homework a punishment.
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12. Others Ways to Help Take your child to the library
Read with your child
Encourage your child to write notes to relatives.
Suggest that your child keep a journal.
Have high expectations for your child’s learning and behavior, both at home and at school.
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13. Homework Hints Homework Hints
Assume that your children will have studying to do every night. For my 5th graders, I say 45 minutes to an hour a night. If they are not doing homework, they can study, read, or write in a journal.
Ask your children if they understand their homework. If they do not, work a few examples together.
Ask about your child’s classes and what they are studying. Stay in touch with your children's teachers. Ask their teachers how you can support what they are studying (flash cards, spelling, etc.).
Remember, you and their teachers want the same thing — to help your children learn.
More Homework Hints
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14. Don't be afraid to get in touch with the teacher if you and your child don't understand an assignment or if your child is having a great deal of trouble. Almost all parents run into these problems, and teachers are glad to help.
Don't do your children's work for them. Help them learn how to do it themselves.
Show your children that you think homework is important. If you are at work during homework time, ask to see their work when you get home.
Praise your children for doing well. Make praise a habit.
Ask your school about tips or guides for helping your children develop good study habits.
Help older students organize their assignments by recording them on calendars or planners, along with due dates, dates turned in, etc.
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15. Further Information Further Information
Visit my website for helpful links for:
Information on Parent Involvement
Science standards websites, grades 3-5
High-ability learners websites
For kids, parents, and teachers
Articles on differentiation
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