Parental Involvement

According to Waterford.org, an organization dedicated to assisting children in achieving success through access to lifelong education, parental involvement in the educational process means that teachers and parents share responsibility for teaching students and collaborate to achieve educational goals. To this day, the researchers recommends that teachers welcome parents to frequent school meetings and events, and that parents actively commit to these objectives.

The Effect on Students 

Research from the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education shares that “no matter their income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to have higher grades and test scores, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior and adapt well to school.”

According to the SEDL the benefits on students of parental insolvent include: -

- Higher grades and test scores, enrollment in more advanced programs

- Grade promotions, earn more credit.

- Better school attendance and homework completion rates

- Improved social skills and behavior allows students to acclimate better to school environments

- Higher self-esteem

- High school graduation and advancement to post-secondary education

Benefits for Teacher

Teachers already have so much on their plate. Having healthy parent/teacher relationships can truly help out everyone. When parents and teachers work together to establish a thriving classroom, the effect on their students is profound. 

Here are some of the advantages that parents who participate actively in their children's education provide to educators and schools:

- Teachers and administrators have better work satisfaction and morale. 

- The teaching profession is held in higher regard by parents. 

- Communication between educators, parents, and administration improves. 

- Parents that are actively involved in their children's education have a higher impression of their children's schools. 

- Parent-involved school programs perform better and provide better service.

Ways To Increase Parental Involvement

To turn involvement into parent partnerships, use these parent engagement strategies: 

- Early in the school year, provide parents your contact information and get to know them. That way, they'll feel safe approaching you if they have any questions. 

- Create opportunities for parents to interact with their children's school. Volunteer shifts, classroom activities, and parent-teacher committees are all excellent ways to get involved. 

- Openly communicate your classroom goals and expectations to parents, and ask them to do the same. 

- As much as possible, interact with your parents in person. Keep parents informed about forthcoming class events through emails, texts, or apps. 

- Address typical barriers to parent engagement, such as schedule issues or an intimidating environment.

Parental involvement in schools benefits not just children and teachers, but also families. Parents are better linked to the school community and can give more consistent support for their children at home. Parents who participate are champions not only for their children, but also for wider school programs that benefit the whole student population.

Resources

https://www.nea.org/tools/17360.htm

https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/what-research-says-about-parent-involvement/ 

https://sedl.org