There is a little debate that a parent’s engagement in a child’s learning is highly beneficial. A number of studies have shown the extent of the positive impacts that healthy parental involvement can provide with marked improvements in attendance, behavioral patterns, and social skills, as well as better grades and test scores, resulting in higher graduation rates. But distinguishing the type of relationship that provides the most benefit can be a bit more difficult to fully ascertain, as the term “parental involvement” can have many different meanings and applications for a student’s progress. For most parents, attending parent/teacher meetings is the most common method of demonstrating some form of involvement in their child’s learning, but there must be a nurturing alliance between parents and educators as both parties work in concert for the positive outcomes of the child. This can be found in a number of collaborative strategies that include volunteering, routine avenues of communication, and a shared effort for decision-making so that all stakeholders have equal input in school policy and educational content. This helps to foster stronger bonds with the child at both school and home between all concerned parties to help improve learning. Teachers work with students during the day to impart curriculum, and parents continue the successful achievement of students by taking an interest in their studies, assisting them with homework and ensuring that all such work is finished and ready for the next day’s classes.

Recent surveys have demonstrated that involvement of parents in their children’s schooling varies from age, grade, and even along racial divides with increased engagement found in parents of students in grades K-8 than in grades 9-12. Parents of White students were also found to be more likely to participate in some capacity, either by way of attending a school event, volunteering at the school, participating in fundraising, and serving on a school committee, than parents of Black or Hispanic students. Parents who communicated on a routine basis with educators beyond organized parent/teacher conferences also showed improved achievement patterns in students than those who were not as engaged with their school.

Every parent wants their child to succeed and, while some are more readily available than others to be present and accounted for in the encouragement of their child’s learning, it’s crucial that the relationship formed between parents and educators is built upon a solid foundation of partnership and understanding of the goals that have been set forth for the child’s success.

If you or anyone you know is interested in implementing a parent involvement program please visit The Latino Family Literacy Project. This company understands the importance for parent involvement and has developed an award-winning program for teachers to provide to parents at their schools. If you would like to find out more information, here is a great testimonial video of parents who have already experienced the program.

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