A few years back the National Association of Elementary Principals sponsored a study. It focused on the differences between families whose students achieved well in school and those whose children did poorly. One of the key findings of the study was the importance of parent involvement in their children’s education. When parents were actively interested and involved in their children’s schools, their children often did well academically. Whereas, children of uninvolved parents often struggled in school.

Why would this be? Several reasons come to mind. One is that involved parents are more apt to help their children when they struggle to understand their school work. This extra support can mean the difference between student improvement or regression. Such parents also tend to have higher expectations for their children. Young people often will raise or lower their goals depending on how high parents expect them to achieve. Thirdly, parents who are interested in their children’s progress give a subtle message to their children: School is very important. Young people’s attitude toward school and learning is often a reflection of the parents’ attitude.

How can parents get involved in ways that help students become successful? Here are a few that are taken from a recent study by The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence:

“1. establish a daily routine;
2. monitor children’s out-of-school activities;
3. model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work;
4. encourage their learning and progress in school and stay in touch with their teachers;
5. read, write, and have frequent conversation;
6. use community resources like libraries, recreation centers, after-school programs, family resource centers, clinics, etc.” (2002, online).

One final thought on parent involvement: It is very important for parents to have good two-way communication with schools. The school should be providing information and ideas to parents, and parents should be communicating ideas and needs to the schools. The Columbus Public Schools encourage you to get involved with your children’s education. They welcome your ideas and comments and ask parents to always let them know when there are ways they can better support their families.

There is one characteristic that transcends family make-up including economic status, race, religion and ethnicity. That trait is the desire of parents to have their children succeed in school. A key way parents can help make this happen is by being actively involved in their children’s education. Do your children a favor: Take an active interest in their school and in their academic progress. This will pay life-long dividends for them.

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