Parental involvement is a vital ingredient in a child's education. Without this key aspect, children are less likely to succeed academically.
The support of family creates an environment where the child can accomplish their ultimate goals. According to the National PTA, there are 50 million children enrolled in public schools and only one in four parents are actively involved in their children’s education. Among working parents, only nine percent of parents are actively involve in their child’s education. Literature reviews outline some factors that prevent parents from being active in their children’s school experiences.
These includes:
- Parents don't think they have enough time.
- Parents think they are involved enough at home.
- Parents don't know how to get involved.
- Parents believe they do not know enough to be helpful.
- Parents feel they are not able to ask the appropriate questions.
- Parents experience blamed for their children’s problems in schools.
- Parents sense that their collaboration is not appreciated by teachers.
Some practical strategies for parents and guardians to improve their involvement are:
- Meet the teacher and talk about your child's interests and hobbies. Find out ways to contribute to your child's learning at home.
- Make a date with the teacher to visit your child's classroom ,observe how the class functions
- Attend 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.
- Attend school events, like back-to-school night or volunteer as a chaperone.
- Ask how your contribution can help the school reach its goals, teachers and administrators will gladly tell you.
- Stay informed on school policies, schedules and rules-visit the school’s website often, talk to the school board, committee leaders, and talk to your children.
- Ask about opportunities to participate in the development of school policies.Schools are eager for parental engagement.
- Make sure that your child is learning what she/he needs to know to meet the standards for/his/her grade level.
- Visit the website of your State Department of Education, examine the curriculum. Compare it to what your child is learning, talk to the teachers about it.
- Find a teacher or a guidance counselor you feel comfortable talking to about your child. Talk about the classes she/he should take to reach her goals. Find out if the classes match the standards he/she is learning. Make it a point to speak with your child’s teacher or counselor regularly; do not wait until the teacher contact you.
Schools must be receptive and open to your involvement as parents and caregivers. The future depends on it.
The copyright of the article Parental Involvement and Education in Educational Issues is owned by Marcia Griffiths-Prince. Permission to republish Parental Involvement and Education in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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