Parents’ involvement in their children’s education is one of the biggest factors in how well students do in school. This guide is for teachers and school staff who want to work more closely with families. It explains why parental involvement matters, what keeps some parents from taking part, and five practical strategies for building strong partnerships with families.
On this page 5 sections
Why parental involvement matters
Research shows that children whose parents take an active part in their education tend to:
- perform better academically
- have better attendance
- show fewer behavior problems
- have higher self-esteem
- have a more positive attitude toward school
- show better social and emotional development
These findings come from several studies, including Dearing et al. (2006), Fan and Chen (2001), Hill and Tyson (2009), Henderson and Mapp (2002), Jeynes (2007), and Sheldon and Epstein (2005).
The benefits also reach the whole school. When families are involved, communication and collaboration between parents and teachers increase. Trust and respect grow on both sides, and parents give more support to the school’s programs and initiatives (Desimone, 2002; Epstein, 2011).
What parental involvement looks like
Parental involvement can take many forms, such as:
- attending parent-teacher conferences
- volunteering at school events
- helping with homework
- communicating regularly with teachers
Barriers to parental involvement
Many parents want to help but face obstacles. Common barriers include:
- Lack of time, often because of work or family duties
- Limited resources
- Cultural or language differences between the family and the school
- Negative school experiences in the parent’s own past
Teachers should recognize these barriers and work to remove them. That means offering flexible and accessible ways to take part, providing resources and support in more than one language, and creating a welcoming school that respects the diversity of all families (Desimone, 2002; Epstein, 2011).
Five strategies for building strong relationships with families
1. Communicate regularly
Set up regular ways to reach families, such as newsletters, emails, or phone calls. Use them to share children’s progress, upcoming events, and school initiatives. Be easy to reach, and answer parents’ questions and concerns promptly and personally whenever you can.
2. Involve families in decision-making
Ask families for input and feedback when the school develops policies, programs, and initiatives. Give parents chances to serve on school committees or advisory boards. Being included builds trust, respect, and support.
3. Provide flexible opportunities for involvement
Offer a range of options so that every family can find a way to help, for example:
- volunteering in the classroom
- attending parent-teacher conferences
- joining school events
Schedule activities at different times to fit families’ needs, and provide materials and support in more than one language.
4. Foster a welcoming and inclusive school
Celebrate the cultural and language diversity of your families. Invite them to share their experiences and traditions, and offer support that addresses the specific needs and challenges of diverse families.
5. Build positive relationships with students
Caring, supportive, and respectful relationships with students help build trust with their families too. When you show genuine interest in a child’s well-being and success, you help create a positive school culture that encourages families to get involved.
Putting it together
Parental involvement is a key part of students’ academic success and overall well-being. By communicating regularly, involving families in decisions, offering flexible ways to take part, keeping the school welcoming and inclusive, and building good relationships with students, teachers can create a collaborative school culture that benefits everyone. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” When teachers and families work together as partners, students get the support they need to thrive.
Frequently asked questions
Why is parental involvement important for students?
Research cited in this guide shows that children with involved parents tend to have higher academic achievement, better attendance, fewer behavior problems, higher self-esteem, and a more positive attitude toward school.
What are common barriers that keep parents from getting involved?
Common barriers include lack of time, limited resources, cultural or language differences, and negative school experiences in the parent’s own past.
How can teachers involve parents who have busy schedules?
Offer flexible options such as different scheduling times, a range of activities like conferences, classroom volunteering, or school events, and regular updates through newsletters, emails, or phone calls.
What forms can parental involvement take?
It can include attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering at school events, helping with homework, communicating regularly with teachers, and serving on school committees or advisory boards.
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