Children whose parents are involved in their school life attain greater academic achievements and are more motivated to excel than children whose parents distance themselves from their child's educational experience, according to research cited by the Michigan Department of Education. Parental involvement encompasses more than simply helping children with their homework. Parents who become involved with their local school boards or help with after-school activities and fundraising also contribute to their child's personal and academic success in school.
Effects of Parental Involvement
According to Michigan State University, parents' active involvement with their child's education has a direct positive relationship to his academic success. The earlier parents become involved, the greater the level of a child's achievement throughout his academic career. The benefits of parental involvement extend beyond academic success, as the Association for Middle Level Education reports that when parents demonstrate a vested interest in their child's success, student attendance improves and incidences of disruptive classroom behavior decline.
Parental Involvement at Home
The Education Alliance reports that children raised by parents who regularly read to them are most likely to demonstrate excellent literary skills in the classroom. Children who read for pleasure at home also display a high level of attentiveness and focus in class. Parents can also engage children's intellect and natural curiosity through visits to destinations such as parks, zoos and museums, which offer learning opportunities outside of the classroom. Children need a quiet, designated study space at home that's free from distractions, such as video games and toys. Parents should demonstrate that they're ready to help whenever their child encounters homework difficulties.
Parental Involvement with Their Children's School
Section 1118 of 2001's No Child Left Behind Act requires schools funded under Title I to develop written plans which provide opportunities for parents to become involved with school oversight and to ensure parents and teachers meet at least once a year to discuss children's academic performance. Michigan State University's June 2004 publication, "Parental Involvement in Schools," indicates that parents' active involvement in local educational decision making can improve overall student performance, even at institutions where students are chronically lagging behind their peers academically.
Schools' Support of Parental Involvement
Faculty can provide guidance to parents by suggesting home activities and methods of participation with their school that will enhance their children's academic experience. The Education Alliance recommends schools reserve times for teachers to meet individually with parents to discuss their children's progress and when necessary, to suggest methods of helping children who struggle academically. According to the Education Alliance, many schools now craft for all students Individual educational programs, which are customized academic programs that have traditionally been reserved for special needs children. These schools often find that involving parents directly in curriculum decisions leads to greater academic success for their children.
References
- Michigan Department of Education: What Research Says About Parent Involvement in Children's Education
- ED.Gov: Public Law Print of PL 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001: Part A - Improving Basic Programs Operated by Local Education Agencies: Subpart 1 - Basic Program Requirements: Sec. 1118: Parental Involvement
- "Best Practice Briefs"; Parent Involvement in Schools; Michigan State University Outreach & Engagement; June 2004
- The Education Alliance: Parental Involvement: An Overview of Current Literature
- Association for Middle Level Education: NMSA Research Summary: Parent Involvement (August 2006)
