The Narrative

When considering educational reform, educators must realize how much minor adjustments can greatly impact the success of our schools. It is imperative that we investigate best practices within our field to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students. Parental involvement has proved to be an effective approach in raising student achievement. According to Bower and Griffin (2011), “Parental involvement is seen as an effective strategy to ensure student success…with the overarching benefit of parental involvement being increased academic performance.” We then must ask ourselves what parental involvement is, what the barriers to parental involvement are, and also, what steps we can take to increase it.

What is Parental Involvement?

 Determining what parental involvement is will allow us to clarify how parents can be involved within the classroom. Traditionally parental involvement has meant that parents are present for school events, and on field trips, however there are a variety of ways parents can be involved. Parent or family involvement can be described as, “the parents’ or caregivers’ investment in the education of their children (LaRocque, Kleinman and Darling, 2011).” Parents are invested in their child’s education in a variety of ways. Some examples of this investment are ensuring their child attends school daily, making certain their child completes their homework, or has a healthy breakfast before school begins. By parents supporting their children in these small ways, they show how devoted they are to their child’s success in school.  

Epstein's Six Types of Parental Involvement

What are Possible Barriers?

There are undoubtedly barriers to parental involvement. Many working parents do not have the time available to be active within the school. Other parents are unaware of the expectations educators may have for them in the classroom. “Research shows that many parents from language minority groups may have different attitudes toward schooling (Chang et.al, 2009).” Educators must find ways of communicating with parents, and building relationships. A possible solution when a language barrier is present is to contact a translator, either within or outside of the school. Positive relationships form when parents and families feel both welcome and accepted within the school environment. Other barriers could be that teachers are not well equipped or lack skills to engage with parents and families. Teachers may also feel as though they lack time to connect with each of their student’s parents, and may not have supportive school administration. 

Why Do We Need Our Parents?

·      When parents are involved in their children’s education at home, they do better in school. And when parents are involved in school, children go farther in school — and the schools they go to are better.

        The family makes critical contributions to student achievement from preschool through high school. A home environment that encourages learning is more important to student achievement than income, education level or cultural background.

·      Reading achievement is more dependent on learning activities in the home than is math or science. Reading aloud to children is the most important activity that parents can do to increase their child’s chance of reading success. Talking to children about books and stories read to them also supports reading achievement.

·      When children and parents talk regularly about school, children perform better academically.

·      Three kinds of parental involvement at home are consistently associated with higher student achievement: actively organizing and monitoring a child’s time, helping with homework and discussing school matters.

·      The earlier that parent involvement begins in a child’s educational process, the more powerful the effects.

·      Positive results of parental involvement include improved student achievement, reduced absenteeism, improved behavior, and restored confidence among parents in their children’s schooling.

http://www.rea-reaa.org/parents/why-is-parental-involvement-important/

What About Solutions?

There are many things educators can do to improve parental involvement in schools. One thing educators can do is provide parents with things at home they can do to be involved. Also, educators must understand the culture of their students and their families. Meet parents where they are, and remain open to the types of involvement they can offer.

References

Bower, H. A., & Griffin, D. (2011). Can the Epstein Model of Parental Involvement Work in a High-Minority, High-Poverty Elementary School? A Case Study. Professional School Counseling, 15(2), 77-87.

Chang, M., Park, B., Singh, K., & Sung, Y. Y. (2009). Parental involvement, parenting behaviors, and childrens cognitive development in low-income and minority families. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 23(3), 309-324.

LaRocque, M., Kleiman, I., & Darling, S. M. (2011). Parental involvement: The missing link in school achievement. Preventing School Failure, 55(3), 115-122.

What Tips Can Teachers Give to Parents?

Parents:

•      Identify some ways to answer the question "How can I be involved in my child’s education?”

•      Read to younger children.

•      Provide a variety of reading materials in the home and frequently take children to the library.

•      Promote school attendance and discourage absenteeism.

•      Monitor children's television viewing.

•      Provide a quiet place for children to do homework; help with or check homework every night.

•      Encourage children to participate in learning activities when school is not in session

•      Encourage children's efforts in school.

•      Help children choose appropriate preparatory courses in middle, junior high, and high school.

•      Keep in touch with children's teachers.

•      Volunteer to participate in school activities.

•      Participate in school-improvement efforts and join advisory or decision-making committees.

http://www.rea-reaa.org/parents/why-is-parental-involvement-important/