Why Is Parental Involvement Important?
In study after study, researchers discover how important it is for parents to be actively involved in their child’s education. Here are some of the findings of major research into parental involvement:
- When parents are involved in their children’s education at home, they do better in school. And when parents are involved in school, children go farther in school — and the schools they go to are better.
- The family makes critical contributions to student achievement from preschool through high school. A home environment that encourages learning is more important to student achievement than income, education level or cultural background.
- Reading achievement is more dependent on learning activities in the home than is math or science. Reading aloud to children is the most important activity that parents can do to increase their child’s chance of reading success. Talking to children about books and stories read to them also supports reading achievement.
- When children and parents talk regularly about school, children perform better academically.
- Three kinds of parental involvement at home are consistently associated with higher student achievement: actively organizing and monitoring a child’s time, helping with homework and discussing school matters.
- The earlier that parent involvement begins in a child’s educational process, the more powerful the effects.
- Positive results of parental involvement include improved student achievement, reduced absenteeism, improved behavior, and restored confidence among parents in their children’s schooling.
How Can Parents Get Involved?
Involvement in your child’s education can mean:
- Reading to your child
- Checking homework every night
- Discussing your children’s progress with teachers
- Voting in school board elections
- Helping your school to set challenging academic standards
- Limiting TV viewing on school nights
- Becoming an advocate for better education in your community and state.
Or, it can be as simple as asking your children, “How was school today?” But ask every day. That will send your children the clear message that their schoolwork is important to you and you expect them to learn.
Some parents and families are able to be involved in their child’s education in many ways. Others may only have time for one or two activities. Whatever your level of involvement, do it consistently and stick with it because you will make an important difference in your child’s life.
Commentary: Move to Leave RUSD is the wrong move for Caledonia
Elizabeth Lampark: As documented by Thomas Reeves in “Racine: Growth and Change in a Wisconsin County,” Racine Unified School District has its origins in the Wisconsin Legislature. In 1959, Wisconsin School Districts were directed to provide high schools by either joining districts with existing high schools or by establishing one of their own by 1962. Accordingly, a Citizens’ Committee was formed in eastern Racine County to study school consolidation issues. The members eventually recommended the formation of a K-12 Unified District. To view the article:http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2009/04/22/opinion/doc49efa0835ee42492675407.txt
Hateful Comments on Journal Times Website Stir the Pot
Aaron Eick: It is important that people who love Racine organize their thoughts and actions. I read the article “two arrested after fights break out at North Beach Park” by Christine Won on June 15, 2009. In general, I was satisfied with the coverage by The Journal Times. I continued to read the blog; I was, to say the least, disappointed. View the article:http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2009/06/20/opinion/doc4a3d6e03632f2834552657.txt