Parent involvement is a crucial component to help ensure the success of children in k-12 schooling and beyond. Even though the traditional household makeup common five to ten years ago is shifting, parent involvement is vital to the success of students in school. Today, many households are dual income domiciles, which means the juggle between work and family life can be a struggle for many parents. There are also an increasing percentage of households that are run by only one family member. The long hours, long commutes and the short amount of time to complete tasks throughout the day have put a premium on the time parents have to devote to their child’s education. Parent involvement in their child’s education can be as simple as staying informed, volunteering at school or taking ten minutes each day to talk to their child. Also, parents should keep in touch with teachers through parent teacher conferences and email to ensure their child is adequately performing in the classroom.

Benefits of parent involvement:

• Higher test scores on assignments, which correlates into higher grades.
• Homework is more consistently turned in.
• Higher graduation rates
• Less discipline problems at school
• Less likely to use drugs and alcohol
• More likely to attend college

Parent involvement in your child’s education is not always a guarantee for success, but it does increase the likelihood that your child will succeed in the classroom. Many studies have determined that parent involvement helps children stay focused on their academic goals and to not have as many discipline problems in school. In addition, a healthy relationship with your child can help encourage them to stay away form negative influences such as drugs and alcohol. In the end, students with parents who continually stay involved in their child’s education tend to have higher graduation rates and are more likely to attend college.

Parent Involvement can help your child succeed:

1. Communication with your child: Parent involvement is crucial to ensure your child will succeed in school and in life. One of the most important aspects for parents to follow is to always have open communication channels with their children.
   
2. Teacher parent conferences: Parent involvement can be very effective when it is on a one on one basis with your child’s teacher. Teacher parent conferences will allow you to receive feedback regarding the progress your child is making in school. If expectations are not being met, action plans can be developed to help your child succeed in the classroom.
   
3. Set realistic expectations: Children should not be expected to be perfect all the time. Parent involvement should not mean the child needs to be the star quarterback and a straight A student. Make sure goals you set for your child are realistic and are in line with the happiness you desire for your child.
   
4. Participate in school activities: Parent involvement should include a healthy dose of volunteer contributions to the school. Volunteering for school activities or attending PTA meetings can help to involve each parent in their child’s education.
   
5. Support learning at home: Encouraging life long learning and continuous education will set a positive example for your child. Parents should lay the groundwork to emphasize the great opportunities that can be attained in life with a solid education. Parent involvement at home will encourage your child to value education and become creative thinkers.