Parental Involvement in Education Jeff Stahl

Introduction –There are many things that society today deems important: money, social class, religion; all of these things can effect a child’s learning environment, depending on where they place their motivation. However, the most effective source of motivation for a learning child is their family, mainly their parents. –Parental motivation and involvement in schools has been proven to be a significant precursor to student achievement. –Involved parents also stimulate better attitudes in their children, more confidence, and increased effort.

Importance of Parental Involvement “The most consistent predictors of children’s academic and social adjustment were parent expectations of their child’s educational attainment and satisfaction with their child’s education at school.” (Reynolds) “Student achievement improves when parents express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children’s achievement and future careers”

The Great Shift The reasons for this decline in parent involvement just as teens are entering middle and high school is two-fold. First, maturing children have a growing need to develop a sense of self and independence that is separate from their families. They begin to weigh choices and consequences, make more decisions on their own, learn from their mistakes, and establish their own set of values to guide their decisions and actions. They begin refusing help from their parents and don’t want them along when they’re with friends.

The Great Shift – cont. Second, parents’ roles begin changing, too, in order to allow for their children’s self-identity development. While parents continue to offer support and love, they begin stepping back a little in all aspects of their children’s lives in order to show their respect for their children’s growing independence. Parents must begin to let adolescents make their own choices— good and bad—and have them take responsibility for their actions and decisions.

Changes In Attitude The decline in parent involvement in middle and high school years also can be attributed to changes in attitude. Young people make it clear they don’t want their parents playing the same large role in their upbringing and schooling that they once did. Many parent-student activities that children find acceptable in elementary school, like registering for classes, attending school events, or walking to and from school, are seen as student-only events by middle and high school students.

Examples of Research Studies Involvement and student educational achievement Recent research proves that the type of parent involvement that has the most positive influence on a child is a direct participation in their studies and school activities. –Sports –Clubs –Dances, concerts, fund raisers, etc. Teacher web pages involving parents viewing grades, assignments, progress at home aided parents in keeping communication lines open between home and school. Research showed and increase of achievement levels among involved students. One research study showed a reduction of student GPA when parents were more involved at home, but and increase in student GPA when parents were more connected with the school.

Parent Involvement Studies: Types of Parents

Authoritative Parents Establish a balance between making demands and being responsive to their children’s specific needs. These parents give their children encouragement and embody positive attitudes towards work and effort. –Result: their children receive the motivation they need when they receive good or bad grades. These children also feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it most. –Children of these parents tend to do better while in school

Authoritarian Parents Tell their children what to do, and not to argue with them. –Result: children get punished for bad grades which often make them feel uneasy when asking for help; even worse, may exhibit rebellion against parental authority. –These children often display loss of confidence and motivation without continuous positive reinforcement.

Permissive Parents Feel that their child’s life should be their own responsibility and are often expressing an “I don’t care” attitude towards achievement. –Result: student motivation is completely based on observation and peer influences. –These parents are not necessarily neglecting their children, or being uncaring.

Minority or Low-income Parents Minority or low-income parents are often underrepresented among parents involved with schools. There are many different reasons: –Lack of time –Lack of energy –Embarrassment or shyness about one’s own educational level or linguistic abilities –Lack of understanding about school structure –Perceived lack of welcome by teachers or administration These misunderstandings need to be resolved with effort on both sides of school doors Parents can make a difference regardless of educational levels.

Ways to Improve Parent Involvement

Characteristics of parents with successful children Establish a daily family routine Monitor Out-of-School activities Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work **be a good example! Express high but realistic expectations for achievement Encourage children’s development and progress in school Encourage reading, writing and discussions among family members Keep lines of communication open Support their future

Parents should play four key roles in their children’s learning: Teacher –Parents support a home environment that encourages learning and strengthens what is being taught in school; it is important to provide positive character development. Supporter –Parents contribute influences to the school, back up administrative and teacher decisions when necessary, enrich the curriculum, and provide extra services to the students. Advocates –Aid the negotiation of the education system and receive fair treatment, and work to maximize the responsiveness to all stakeholders. Decision-makers –Participation in school board and advisory councils, curriculum committees, and management teams; an overall participation in joint effort and problem-solving towards a common positive goal.

Closing –Parent involvement is important, but not the only way to improve student achievement. –It is important to give children a well rounded lifestyle: Positive living environment Encouraging parents Interest in what they are doing Positive peer influences Good teachers and supportive administration –Children are our future, what is most important for them, should be most important for you