Parents as Partners
Research tells us that the most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is not income or social status but the extent to which that student’s family is able to:
- Create a home environment that encourages learning
- Express high (and realistic) expectations for their children’s achievement and future careers
- Become involved in their children’s education at school and in the community
It continues to show that parent involvement activities that are effectively planned and well implemented result in substantial benefits to students, parents, educators, and the school.
The Student Benefit
- Higher achievement demonstrated by better grades, higher test scores, and better attendance
- More consistent completion of homework
- Increased self-esteem, more self-disciplined, and higher aspirations and motivation toward school
- Improved behavior in school and less suspension for disciplinary reasons
- Less stressful transitions from junior high to high school to work and/or college
- Decreased likelihood of dropping out of school
The Parent Benefit
- Increased interaction and discussion with children
- Increased awareness, responsiveness and sensitivity to children’s social, emotional, and intellectual developmental needs
- Increased confidence in parenting and decision-making skills
- Increased understanding of the teacher’s job and school curriculum
- Increased awareness of and thus greater involvement in policies affecting their child’s education
The Educator Benefit
- Increased morale for teachers and administrators
- Increased professional respect
- Improved communication and relations between parents, teachers, and administrators
- Increased understanding of families’ cultures and diversity
- Deeper respect for parents’ abilities and time
- Increase in job satisfaction
The School Benefit
- Improved community reputation
- Greater community support
- Increased student success and overall performance across higher quality programs