One of the biggest factors, besides teacher ability, in the success of a child’s academic life is his or her parent’s involvement. Studies show that the more involved parents are in their children’s education, the higher the chance of achieving academic excellence. “Researchers have found that children with involved parents have higher grade point averages and scores on standardized tests, enroll in more challenging academic programs, pass more classes, have better attendance and have better social skills, according to a review published by the Southwest Educational Development Library. A bonus: They also have improved behavior at home and school, the study states.”
More recent research shows that older children-in middle and high school benefit as much as younger children from their parents involvement in their classroom and overall education. Parental involvement is typically at the highest during the pre-school or elementary school years. As children age and become more independent, parental involvement tends to decrease. Continued involvement through a variety of avenues; in the classroom or some other area such as the PTA, or band boosters is beneficial for older children.
According to the National Education Association the following are ways that parents can be involved in their children’s education:
• Meet the teacher. Tell her about your child’s interests and hobbies. Let her know how and when it is best to reach you. Ask her how you can support your child’s learning at home.
• Make a date with the teacher to visit your child’s classroom. Are the kids busy learning, exploring and asking questions? Does the teacher draw them in?
• Go to parent-teacher conferences. If the school doesn’t have them, meet with your child’s teachers. Ask how your child is doing and review his work.
• Join the PTA or other parent group. Go to school events, like back-to-school night. As a group, see how you can help the school reach its goals.
• Stay up-to-date on school policies, schedules and rules. Ask about opportunities to participate in the development of school policies.
• Make sure that your child is learning what she needs to know to meet the standards set for her grade level.
• Find a teacher or counselor you feel comfortable talking to about your child. Talk about the courses she should take to reach her goals. Do they match what the standards say she should be learning? Will they prepare her for college and a career?
• Contact your child’s teacher or counselor if you have any concerns about what’s going on with your child at school.