Parental Involvement

 What is Parent/Family Involvement in Education?

     "Parent Involvement is the participation in every facet of the education and development of children from birth to adulthood, recognizing that parents are the primary influence in their children's lives.  Parent involvement takes many forms, including the parent's shared responsibilities in decisions about children's education, health, and well-being, as well as the parents' participation in organizations that reflect the community's collaborative aspirations for all children."

                                    --The National PTA

Why is Involvement Important?

     Creates success in school AND life through:

·                     Creating home environment that encourages learning.

·                     Expresses high (but realistic) expectations for achievement and future careers.

·                     Becoming involved in children's education at school and in the community.

                                 --A. Henderson, NCCE

What are the benefits?

·                     Better grades and achievement test scores

·                     Fewer discipline problems

·                     Lower crime rates

·                     Higher graduation rates

·                     Less need for special education

·                     Happier parents, teachers, and children

·                     Stronger families

·                     Better communities

                              --Dr. John H. Wherry

Are parents involved enough?

·                     14% of students said their parents were "heavily involved"

·                     44% were "somewhat involved"

·                     30% were "rarely or never involved"

                             --Adapted from Family Connections, Appalachia Ed. Lab

Why isn't more involvement happening?

·                     Parents believe they "aren't qualified"

·                     Cultural/language barriers

·                     Aren't sure how to become involved

·                     Resistance from schools

·                     Time restraints from work and family life

                          --USDoE

Help with involvement techniques and skills:

·                     NCJW (website:  http://www.ncjw.org)

            53 West 23rd Street

          6th Floor

          New York, NY  10010

`        (212) 645-4048