Research collected over the past decade by the National Education Association on parent involvement found that, regardless of family income or background, students with involved parents are more likely to:
Student achievement is boosted when parents can talk to their student about what is taking place in their classroom. Seeing that their parents are invested in their education creates an atmosphere where education is a priority. Expectations that the student will achieve educationally, as well as in extracurricular activities are reinforced through parent involvement.
When schools build partnerships with families that respond to parent concerns and honor the parent’s contributions, they are able to create the relationships that improve student achievement. In addition, faculty and the school receive significant benefits from parent involvement in the school.
Schools that have higher percentages of parents volunteering see the following results:
Every parent has something to offer. Find a way to share your talents and skills in a way that will benefit your child's school and you will also strengthen the student and faculty.
Janice Payne is the Director of Development at Sanford School in Hockessin, Delaware.