Parental involvement in education is a very important aspect for creating a safe and cooperative environment for the child to feel comfortable and succeed in. When a student knows that he or she is receiving support both inside and outside the school, the chances of that child becoming responsible for and active in their education are more likely.
More than 80 percent of new teachers feel that parental support and involvement is the most challenging area they face. They feel that parents are either unwilling or simply don’t have time to participate in their child’s education. One thing that’s also important to remember is that education is more than what happens inside the four walls of a classroom. For example, Sheena White, a graduate of The University of Chicago says that spending time together around the dinner table, sharing stories and having a conversation is a part of educating your kids and it goes without saying that parental involvement here is key. Even if you’re actively involved in your child’s formal education, if you’re absent in the other, less formal, parts of their education, there will many issues that follow. Parental involvement in kids’ education (the one they get both in and out of the classroom), is important, the bigger question is: Why is parental involvement in education so important? Research finds that parental involvement helps provide children with attention and praise which, in turn, helps them recognize their education is worthy of adult interest. As children tend to model adult behaviors, when parents are actively involved with their schooling, children will learn the importance of education and try to emulate those behaviors from their parents.
According to the National Education Association, “Ongoing research shows that family engagement in school improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores parents’ confidence in their children’s education. Students with involved parents or other caregivers earn higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, and show improved behavior.” And while it’s better to have one parent show an interest in a child’s education, research shows that getting both parents on board can have a major impact.“Students with two parents operating in supportive roles are 52% more likely to enjoy school and get straight A’s than students whose parents are disengaged with what’s going on at school.” Research shows that students perform better in school if both parents are involved, regardless of the whether both parents live with the student or not.
Post by: Matthew Hanna