1. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLS Created by, Natalie D. Ruffin Technology Teacher, P.S. 98 New York, NY

2. The Public Policy Analyst (PPA)PPA Step 1: Define the Problem Step 2: Gather the Evidence Step 3: Identify the Causes Step 4: Evaluate an Existing Policy Step 5: Develop Solutions Step 6: Select the Best Solution Feasibility vs. Effectiveness

3. THE PROBLEM: A LACK OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE EDUCATION PROCESS THE LACK OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS THE BIGGEST AND MOST CONCERNING PROBLEM FACING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Step 1: Define the Problem

4. THE RESULTS OF THE PROBLEM : POOR STUDENT ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE STUDENT BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS AND LOW STUDENT MORALE A LACK OF POSITIVE AND RESPECTFUL SCHOOL CULTURE STUDENT BULLYING, HARRASSMENT, AND VIOLENCE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT LACKS DISCIPLINE AND SAFETY http://www.publicagenda.org/press-releases/discipline-problems-unrulybehavior- seriously-threatening-student-achievement Step 1: Define the Problem

5. RESEARCH INDICATES THE FOLLOWING EFFECTS WHEN THERE IS PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT: Better grades, test score progression, and higher graduation rates Higher school attendance rates Increased motivation, better self-esteem Lower rates of suspension Decreased use of drugs and alcohol Good behavior and fewer instances of violent behavior and gang activity

6. THE CAUSES Parents feel unwelcomed at the school There is a lack of knowledge and education, and parents may not feel that education is important A shortage of time for working parents Parents may not know-how to “help out" The parents may be illiterate or unable to speak English Family problems such as: divorce, death, financial issues, drugs, incarceration, immigration issues, etc. Single parents often do not have the time, money, or knowledge to help children with homework or projects http://www.edpsycinteractive.org/files/parinvol.html Step 3: Identify the Causes

7. WHY IS PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IMPORTANT? TO IMPROVE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND STUDENT BEHAVIOR TO CREATE A POSITIVE AND SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL CULTURE AND CLIMATE TO TEACH STUDENTS TO BECOME LIFE-LONG LEARNERS AND PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY TO SHOW STUDENTS CARE, CONCERN, AND SUPPORT

8. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT INCLUDES: SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS SHOWING AN INTEREST IN THE STUDENTS’ LIFE, EDUCATION, AND ACTIVITIES COMMUNICATING WITH TEACHERS AND STAFF LEADING BY EXAMPLE HOME LEARNING ACTIVITIES THAT ALLOW PARENTS TO TEACH, BE MODELS, AND GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN

9. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT- PARTICIPATE IN PARENT WORKSHOPS, TRAINING, AND CLASSES

10. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT - ATTEND SCHOOL PERFORMANCES

11. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT – VOLUNTEER AND SUPPORT SCHOOL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

12. PARENTAL SUPPORT ATTEND PARENT-TEACHER-STAFF MEETINGS COMMUNICATE BECOME AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT Step 5: Develop Solutions

13. AUTHOR’S RESEARCH FINDINGS- SURVEY BASED PARENTS SHOWED A MAJOR INTEREST IN THEIR CHILDRENS’ BEHAVIOR, SELF-ESTEEM, AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AT LEAST 50% OF THE PARENTS ARE WILLING TO VOLUNTEER AT THE SCHOOL REGARDLESS OF ETHNICITY, SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS, AND EDUCATION LEVEL, MOST PARENTS WANT THEIR CHILDREN TO SUCCEED http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Public- education/Parent-Involvement

14. THE BEST SOLUTIONS ORGANIZE, CREATE, AND ESTABLISH INITIATIVES TO INCLUDE PARENTS AS PARTNERS OFFER WORKSHOPS, CLASSES, AND TRAINING FOR PARENTS PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO PROMOTE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT (GIFT CARDS, METRO CARDS, ETC.) ESTABLISH ON-GOING COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH PARENTS ANNUAL SCHOOL-WIDE EVENT SUCH AS FAMILY NIGHT, SEASONAL FESTIVALS, FUND-RAISERS,ETC. ESTABLISH A PARENT ADVISORY BOARD/PTA 14 Step 6: Select the Best Solution

15. FOOD FOR THOUGHT! REMEMBER –THE SUCCESS OF AMERICA’S FUTURE IS DEPENDENT ON IMPROVING SCHOOLS TODAY!

16. REFERENCES http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Final_P arent_Involvement_Fact_Sheet_14732_7.pdf http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Final_P arent_Involvement_Fact_Sheet_14732_7.pdf http://bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/files_uploaded/u ploaded_resources/18617/Desforges.pdf http://bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/files_uploaded/u ploaded_resources/18617/Desforges.pdf