Parental Involvement in Education and Schools: Benefits and Strategies

Introduction

According to the National Household Education Surveys Program of 2016, students whose parents are actively engaged in their education tend to perform better academically. Students with supportive parents are 81% more likely to graduate from high school.

This involvement can take various forms, such as attending parent-teacher conferences, helping with homework, or participating in school activities. It underscores the crucial role parents play in shaping their children’s educational outcomes.

Parental involvement in education

“Parental involvement in education” denotes the active participation and engagement of parents or guardians in their children’s educational experiences and academic achievements.

Importance of parental involvement

Parental involvement in education is a critical factor in a child’s academic success and overall development. When parents engage actively in their child’s education, whether by attending school events, supporting homework, or participating in decision-making processes they significantly enhance their child’s learning experience.

• Children tend to achieve higher grades
• Children have better attendance
• Children exhibit more positive behaviours
• fosters a supportive home environment that promotes emotional and social growth beyond academics

Major role of parental involvement in education

Source

Benefits of parental involvement in education and schools

Parental involvement brings significant benefits across various aspects of education. Some benefits are as follows –

1. Academic Achievement

a. Improved Grades and Test Scores:

• Parental involvement plays a significant role in enhancing students’ academic performance. When parents are engaged, they are more likely to help with homework, encourage study habits, and reinforce the importance of education. This support often leads to higher grades and better performance on standardized tests. Research has shown that students whose parents are actively involved in their education consistently score higher on tests and perform better in their classes.

b. Higher Graduation Rates:

• Engaged parents contribute to a student’s overall commitment to school. Their involvement can help foster a sense of responsibility and motivation in students, which translates into improved persistence and completion rates. Studies indicate that students with supportive and involved parents are more likely to graduate from high school and pursue higher education.

2. Student Behaviour

a. Reduced Absenteeism:

• Active parental involvement is linked to lower rates of absenteeism. When parents stay engaged with their child’s education, they help instil the importance of regular attendance. Moreover, their involvement often means they are more aware of any issues their child might face at school, allowing them to address potential problems before they lead to chronic absenteeism.

b. Better Social Skills and Behaviour:

• Students with involved parents typically demonstrate improved social skills and behaviour. Parental engagement often includes reinforcing positive behaviour, setting expectations, and providing guidance. This support helps children develop better interpersonal skills and behavioural habits, leading to more positive interactions with peers and teachers.

3. Emotional and Mental Health

a. Enhanced Self-Esteem and Motivation:

• Parental involvement boosts students’ self-esteem and motivation. When parents show interest in their child’s education and achievements, it fosters a sense of value and accomplishment in the child. This positive reinforcement helps build confidence and encourages students to set and achieve academic goals.

2. Lower Levels of Anxiety and Depression:

• A supportive and involved family environment can contribute to reduced levels of anxiety and depression among students. Knowing that their parents are engaged and supportive provides emotional security, which helps mitigate stress and anxiety related to academic pressures. This emotional stability supports better overall mental health.

4. School Improvement

a. Positive School Culture:

• Schools with strong parental involvement often experience a more positive school culture. Active parent participation helps create a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, where students feel valued and supported. This positive environment fosters a sense of community and belonging, benefiting both students and staff.

b. Increased Teacher Morale and Job Satisfaction:

• Teachers in schools with high levels of parental involvement generally report higher job satisfaction and morale. When parents are engaged, they contribute to a supportive environment for teachers, helping to reduce stress and increase motivation. This support can lead to a more enthusiastic and effective teaching staff, which in turn benefits student learning and school performance.

Strategies for effective parental involvement in education and schools

a. Communication

• Regular Updates from Teachers and Schools: Keep parents informed about their child’s progress, upcoming events, and important school news through newsletters and announcements.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Schedule regular meetings to discuss student performance, address concerns, and set goals for improvement.
• Use of Technology: Utilize emails, school apps, and other digital platforms to facilitate communication and keep parents engaged with real-time updates.

b. Volunteering

• Opportunities for Parents: Offer various ways for parents to volunteer, such as helping in classrooms, organizing events, and assisting with extracurricular activities.
• Flexible Volunteer Schedules: Provide flexible options for volunteering to accommodate different parental schedules and availability.

c. At-Home Support

• Encouraging Reading and Homework Routines: Promote the establishment of consistent reading and study habits at home to support academic learning.
• Providing a Conducive Learning Environment: Help parents create a quiet, well-organized space for their children to study and complete assignments effectively.

d. Decision-Making

• Involving Parents in Committees: Invite parents to participate in school committees and decision-making bodies to have their voices heard in shaping school policies.
• Seeking Parent Feedback: Regularly gather input from parents on school programs and policies to ensure their perspectives are considered.

e. Parenting Education

• Workshops and Resources: Offer workshops and resources to equip parents with strategies and tools to support their child’s education at home.
• Building a Supportive Community: Foster a network of parents through support groups and community events to share experiences and build a collaborative support system.

Framework for schools – Epstein’s theory of parental involvement

Looking for a supportive framework to create programs and strategies that actively engage parents and foster a supportive environment for student learning and development?

Here it is – Epstein’s Theory of Parental Involvement, developed by Dr. Joyce Epstein, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and fostering effective family and community engagement in education. The theory outlines six types of parental involvement that can significantly contribute to student success. By implementing these six types of involvement, you can enhance student achievement, improve school culture, and strengthen the relationship between home and school.

Here is an overview of these six types:

1. Parenting:

• Definition: Helping families establish home environments that support children as students.
• Examples: Providing workshops on parenting skills, offering family support services, and giving parents information on child development and educational practices.

2. Communicating:

• Definition: Establishing effective school-to-home and home-to-school communications about school programs and children’s progress.
• Examples: Regular newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and using technology like school apps or emails to keep parents informed.

3. Volunteering:

• Definition: Recruiting and organizing parent help and support.
• Examples: Encouraging parents to volunteer in the classroom, participate in school events, and assist with extracurricular activities.

4. Learning at Home:

• Definition: Providing information and ideas to families about how to help students with homework and other curriculum-related activities.
• Examples: Distributing homework guides, creating family learning nights, and offering tips on how parents can reinforce learning at home.

5. Decision Making:

• Definition: Including parents in school decisions and developing parent leaders and representatives.
• Examples: Involving parents in school councils, committees, and advisory boards, and seeking parent input on school policies and programs.

6. Collaborating with the Community:

• Definition: Coordinating resources and services for families, students, and the school with community groups, businesses, and cultural organizations.
• Examples: Forming partnerships with local businesses for resources, inviting community members to speak at school events, and organizing community service projects.

Barriers to parental involvement

1. Demanding Work Schedules:

Many parents face challenges in participating in school events or assisting with academic assignments due to demanding work schedules, including shift work, extended hours, and multiple job commitments.

2. Language and Cultural Barriers:

Parents from households where English is not the primary language or those from diverse cultural backgrounds may struggle to understand school communications and feel comfortable participating in school activities.

3. Lack of Awareness or Knowledge:

Some parents may be unaware of the benefits of active engagement in their child’s education or may be uncertain about the best ways to get involved.

4. Transportation and Geographic Challenges:

Families with limited access to reliable transportation or those living in remote areas may find it difficult to attend school events or meetings.

5. Self-Doubt:

Some parents may doubt their ability to assist their children with academic matters or participate in educational activities, feeling unprepared or inadequate.

6. Unwelcoming School Environment:

Parental involvement may be hindered if the school environment feels unwelcoming or if parents have had negative interactions with school staff.

7. Financial Difficulties:

Families facing financial challenges or living in poverty may prioritize meeting basic needs over active participation in their child’s education.

8. Multiple Children and Family Responsibilities:

Parents with multiple children or other familial obligations may find it difficult to allocate sufficient time to engage in each child’s education.

9. Health Issues or Stress:

Parents dealing with health problems or high levels of stress may have limited capacity to participate in their children’s educational activities.

10. Lack of Technology Access:

Limited access to modern technology or internet connectivity can make it challenging for households to participate in virtual meetings or access online information.

Overcoming challenges to parental involvement

1. Addressing Time Constraints

• Offering Virtual Involvement Opportunities: Provide online options for meetings and events to accommodate parents’ busy schedules.
• Flexible Meeting Times: Schedule meetings and activities at various times to better align with parents’ availability.

2. Cultural and Language Barriers

• Providing Translators and Bilingual Resources: Ensure communication materials and meetings are accessible in multiple languages.
• Culturally Sensitive Communication and Events: Adapt events and interactions to be culturally inclusive and respectful, addressing diverse backgrounds.

3. Socioeconomic Factors

• Ensuring Equal Access: Make involvement opportunities accessible to all parents, regardless of their economic status.
• Providing Support and Resources: Offer additional support, such as transportation assistance or childcare, to help low-income families participate in school activities.

Conclusion

Parental involvement is key to boosting students’ academic success, behaviour, and emotional health. Schools and parents should collaborate to enhance their engagement in education. By adopting these strategies, we can create a supportive environment for students. Engaged parents lead to thriving students. Let’s work together to build strong partnerships that ensure every child gets the support they need to succeed, creating lasting positive impacts on their future.

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of parent involvement in education?

When parents get involved in their child’s education, it helps students do better in school, stay motivated, and behave well. It improves communication between home and school, supports personalized learning, and helps spot and fix problems early. Engaged parents also set a good example, showing how important education is and creating a supportive atmosphere for student success.

2. What are the six types of parent involvement?

The six types of parent involvement are:

• Parenting: Providing a supportive home environment.
• Communicating: Keeping in touch with teachers and school.
• Volunteering: Helping out in the classroom or at school events.
• Learning at Home: Assisting with homework and learning activities.
• Decision Making: Participating in school committees and decisions.
• Collaborating with the Community: Connecting school with community resources.

3. What is the role of a parent in education?

Parents play a big role in their child’s education by helping with schoolwork at home, talking to teachers, and joining school activities. They create a good learning environment, support educational goals, and tackle any problems their child might have. By showing a positive attitude toward learning, parents encourage their children to do well in school.

4. How can parents contribute to school?

Parents can help schools by volunteering for events, assisting in the classroom, and joining parent-teacher groups. They can support school projects, give feedback, and help with fundraising. By getting involved, parents make the school community stronger and create a better learning environment for all students.