Whether your child is new to school this year or getting ready to graduate, participating in their education is one of the most important things you can do to ensure their academic success. This fact sheet will define parent involvement, tell you what the research says, and give you some tips that can help you work more effectively with your child's school.
What is Parent Involvement?
The Federal Department of Education says that parent involvement
in education is the participation of parents in regular, two-way,
and meaningful communication involving student academic learning
and other school activities. Schools with a strong commitment
to involving families ensure that:
Why is Parent Involvement Important?
Research has shown that parent involvement in education is
a more important predictor of student success than family income
level or the how much education the parents completed. In fact,
kids are most likely to succeed when their families:
Create a home environment that encourages learning.
Communicate high, yet reasonable, expectations for the child's
achievement and future career.
Become involved in the child's education at school and in the
community.
When parents are involved, children are more likely to:
Get better grades and test scores.
Graduate from high school at higher rates.
Go on to higher education.
Be better behaved and have more positive attitudes.
Family involvement in education impacts more than grades. Research has shown that:
Alcohol use, violence and antisocial behaviors tend to decrease
as parent involvement increases.
Educators tend to hold higher expectations of students whose parents
talk regularly with teachers.
When parents are involved, students usually have better attitudes,
are more motivated toward school, and have better self-esteem.
How Can I Get Involved?
Here are some simple, research-based activities to develop
strong family involvement:
Communicate
Find out the best way to contact your child's teacher(s)
Tell your child's teacher(s) what the best way is to contact
you
Let your child's teacher know right away when you have questions
or concerns
Send notes, email, or call the school
Attend open house and parent-teacher conferences
Ask for an interpreter and translated materials if you need
them
Ask Questions
Talk to other parents in your neighborhood
Prepare for meetings with teachers by bringing a list of questions
Ask about your child's achievement
Find out about extra support that might be available
Ask your child about his/her day
Enjoy a family meal at least three times a week
Show your child education is important
Know what your child is learning at school
Make homework a priority, and provide a comfortable space for
your student
Limit television viewing during the week to 1 hour a day or less
Volunteer for after-school activities
Attend school events
Offer to serve on school advisory boards
Help your high school student with course selection
Talk about your student's future
Learn More
Attend parent workshops and informational meetings
Attend school board meetings (some communities air them on cable
TV)
Volunteer at the school, regularly or for special events
Join parent groups at the school like the PTA
Call Maine's Parent Information and Resource Center (Maine PIRC)
Maine PIRC is a nonprofit project of Maine Parent Federation. We provide free help to parents who want to learn more about the school system and how to be involved in their child's education.
Information based on the research of Joyce Epstein, et al.
Maine PIRC (Parent Information and Resource Center)
PO Box 2067 Augusta, ME 04338
1-800-870-7746 or (207) 623-2144
Website: www.mpf.org Email: parentconnect@mpf.org