Parent involvement in a child’s education is likely to have a positive impact on a child’s long-term success. Students with involved parents are more likely to have higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, show improved behavior, attend school regularly, and graduate from high school and attend post-secondary education.
But everyone is busy and has limited time. However, the range of opportunities for involvement allows even the busiest parent to make a meaningful contribution. For example, meeting your child’s teacher and friends and attending school programs is a way to show your kids that you care about their education. And if you are able to help at school events, it shows kids the importance of volunteering at school and in the community. Simply joining your local PTA demonstrates your willingness to positively impact your child.
One of the most important ways that you can support your student is to attend parent-student conferences. During the conference, you can ask important questions that will give you a solid understanding of how your child is performing so that you can be invested in your child’s academic year. Learning Heroes suggests asking questions like:
- Is my child reading at grade level?
- What are my child’s learning goals?
- Is my child making progress?
- What is my child doing well?
- What skills does my child need to focus on?
- What can I do to support my student at home?
- How can I help with homework?
Another way to support your student is to reach out to your student’s teacher and ask what help they need. Teachers usually welcome assistance in the classroom, or with a school event. Being a part of any event on the school campus will give parents a better understanding of your student’s daily life.
PTAs offers parents many ways to increase involvement by providing resources and volunteer opportunities. Attending PTA meetings offers a valuable opportunity to interact with other parents, hear from a school teacher or principal, and learn up-to-date information. Parents can ask questions and start to build relationships with parents, teachers and school administrators. Many PTAs offer speakers to help support student success, addressing such critical issues as vaping and mental health. Even attending one or two PTA meetings can make a difference.
Parents who cannot attend PTA meetings may still increase involvement by accessing on-line resources. CAPTA.org and PTA.org provide helpful information to assist parents become better informed, such as how to access the Dashboard or the National PTA’s The Parents’ Guides to Student Success.
PTAs also provide a framework for parents to help with events and participate in programs. When our kids see us weeding in the school garden on weekends or collecting cans for a food drive, they see us supporting our schools and community. By attending events that take place on school campuses, our students see parent involvement.
There are opportunities for every parent to be involved to the extent that time or resources allow. By focusing your time and energy on your student and their classroom experience, you are building the framework for a lifetime of success.
For the complete article referenced in this piece, please visit: How Parent Involvement Leads to Student Success at www.waterford.org.
For more parent engagement ideas, be sure to read the latest issue of PTA in California, which features this article.
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