Parents-- Are They Really That Important in a Child’s Education? Courtney Brooksby, Laura McCulloch, Lindsey Doyle, Rachel Bushman

How do parents know if they are actively involved in your child’s life How do parents know if they are actively involved in your child’s life? Four Point scale ( one point for each activity you participate in) * attendance at a school meeting * attendance at a regularly scheduled parent/ teacher conference * attendance at a school or class event * serving as a volunteer

Studies 91% of the children with a parent actively involved in their child’s life K-6th graduate from high school 97% of the children with a parent involved all the way through 12th grade graduate 43% of students whose parents are actively involved get mostly A’s in school

●Only 13% have behavior problems. Compared to 33% without ●Only 13% have behavior problems Compared to 33% without actively involved parents ●Only 10% of these students repeat a grade Compared to 21% without actively involved parents

How low involvement effects the child Long Term Jobs/career choice Marriage Relationships Families Attitudes Less likely to enroll in higher education Short Term Behavior Self-esteem Grades Repeating grades Attitude

How schools can get involved Communication Schools have the responsibility to initiate communication between themselves and parents. Ex: Emailing, home visits, personal phone calls, and parent-teacher conferences To keep parents involved in their child’s schooling, schools need to establish a clear channel for communication.

Bridging school-family differences Language, culture, and education are just a few differences that might prevent parent’s participation in their child’s learning. “Strategies to address these differences include reaching out to parents with little formal education, addressing language differences through bilingual services for communicating both orally and in writing with families about school programs and children’s progress, and promoting cultural understanding to build trust between home and school” (Family Approaches vii).

Government Parents need to join together “…to take part in educational decisions at higher levels and not only at school level” (Westhuizen 194). Local governments must involve the community and parents in making decisions regarding education.

Teachers Involving Parents Develop a Partnership Keep good Communication Parent/Teacher Conferences Written Communication Parent Discussion Groups Telephone Conversations Discussing Behavior Problems

Involvement in School Activities Dealing with Reluctant Parents Personal Invitations Dealing with Reluctant Parents

Advise to parents on how to get involved in your child’s education. Be an example. If you want your child to be educated you have to show them that education is important to you.

Children follow the examples of what they see around them. “We know, for example, that children tend to do the same things as their parents do. What we say and do in our daily lives can help them develop positive attitudes toward school and learning and build confidence in themselves as learners.” (Paulu Succeed V). Read books Go to plays or concerts Watching educational TV Reading the newspaper Watching news Solve problems in your daily life with your children around so they can see how you handle problems.

Reading, talking and listening are important to your child’s education. “Reading helps children in all school subjects. More importantly, it is the key to lifelong learning.” (Paulu Succeed 1) It is a good idea to start reading when your child is a baby, so they are exposed to reading at a young age. Listen to your child so you know how to help them and to show you care. Talk to your child. This is one of the most important things you can do make them feel that they are important. Children will not succeed if they do not feel important.

Homework!! Children need to know that family members believe that homework is important so children will want to complete assignments. To help your child you can set a certain time and place where your child should complete their homework. Do not do things that your children will want to participate in while they are doing their homework.

Teach your children TV viewing skills. Limit how much TV that your child watches. Your child could learn a lot more by playing or being around people doing activities together. Teach your child to be responsible and to work independently. These skills help your child in his or her schoolwork. Teach them good habits like eating healthy foods. Teach your children how to work. Teach them how to garden, how to clean a house, or how to organize their rooms.

Show your love to your children. Be there for your child. Don’t give negative comments to your children. Make sure that your child knows that you care for them. Show your child that he or she can succeed.