Parent Involvement in Education
Education today is one of the more important aspects of life. It is harder to survive in the growing economy without the aid of a good job, which requires education and training. That is why it is so important to get a good education. To do so it is vital that parents are involved. Students perform better and are more motivated in school when they have parents who are involved in their children s education and over the years the public has come to realize the need for parental support and numerous efforts have been made to expand the ways in which parents are involved. With the involvement of parents in education students are able to excel to their greatest ability. In order for the parents to get involved there must be a good parent and teacher relationship, PTAs, a good community, state funding programs, and of course a good relationship between the parent and child.
To help create parent involvement it is essential create a strong parent-teacher relationship. Without the parents trusting the teachers and visa versa, it becomes more difficult to create a good strong relationship. However, problems in creating a good relationship aren t always the parents fault. Parent-involvement expert Dorothy Rich says that “Many teachers never had a sense that parental involvement goes along with the job. Not only must they expect parents to be involved, but teachers need to understand that communication with parents must be a two-way street” (Pape, 49). One way to lose communication between parents and teachers is for the teachers to speak in jargon. Parents want to know what is happening in the classroom, what the teachers goal s and objectives are, and most importantly, how the child is doing rather than something that parent s don t understand. There are a number of different ways to strengthen that relationship. One way is for the teacher to visit the parents at home. Although this may seem time consuming, it will give teachers a chance to see what the home life is like (Hickman, 3). This meeting is on the “parents turf” therefore it will make uncomfortable parents feel as if they have the upper hand (Pape, 3). An easier way to get a good relationship between parents and teachers is phone calls. They are less time consuming, yet they still allow the parents and teachers to be involved together in the decision making of the child s education. Once a good parent-teacher relationship has been formed, parents will be more willing to get involved in school activities such as the PTA.
Parent Teacher Organizations have been created to help teachers and parents make decisions together. ” We know from three decades of research that children with involved parents do better in school and are more successful in life, says National PTA President Joan Dykstra. Our organization is taking the much-needed step of identifying what factors are effective components of consistent, high-quality parent involvement programs. ” (PTA, 16) Joan along with the U.S. National PTA has created six standards that can help get parents involved: 1) two-way communication between home and school; 2) promoting and supporting parenting skills; 3) active participation of parents in student learning; 4) parents helping as volunteer partners in schools; 5) parents helping as full partners in school decisions that affect children and families; 6) outreach to the community for resources to strengthen school. (PTA, 17) PTAs help the school with decisions on text books, money issues, ordering supplies and various other things that teachers and other staff members are too busy for. Along with the PTA there are various other programs that have been created at the state and local level.
At the national level a program has been established to develop effective family-school partnerships in schools across the nation. It is known as the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE). The NCPIE believes that with parents and schools sharing in decision-making, and collaborating in children s learning, parents can feel more involved in the education process. Not only does it benefit the parents but the children do better in school, and the schools improve as well. In 1998 a survey was taken by the U.S. Department of Education. The survey had to do with Family Involvement in Education. “Among its key findings are these:
+ 38% of parents have never been invited to observe their child s classes while in session.
+ 75% of parents receive a school newsletter. However, fewer that one in four have school news made available via higher-technology options, such as school websites or cable TV.
+ 79% of parents would pay a fee for their child to attend an after-school program that would help the child progress.
+ Schools that work well with families have improved teacher morale and higher ratings of teachers by parents.” (Pape, 47-48).
These statistics show that parents do care for their children s education and that schools are putting in effort to include the parents.
In Missouri, the State Department of education has been planning several programs to increase the level of parent involvement. One program is the “Parents as Teachers” program. This is designed to help train parents to teach their own children skills that can be taught at home. These skills vary from being creative to learning to get along with other children. Among other states mandating parental involvement are Illinois, Tennessee, Minnesota, Florida, and California. California has ordered “comprehensive programs of parent involvement require schools to involve parents at all grade levels in a variety of roles. These programs should be designed to: (a) help parents develop skills and foster conditions at home that support learning, (b) provide parents with the knowledge of techniques designed to assist children in learning at home, (c ) promote clear two-way communication between the school and the family to the school programs and children s progress, (d) support parents as decision makers and develop their leadership in governance, advisory, and advocacy role (Hickman, 3).”
With all the help that has come through from the state programs, schools, teachers, and of course parents, there has been a very positive effect that has shown through on the children of today. Parents have become more involved in school and because of that the children will have an easier time learning and developing. However, many people, including parents, believe that children do not need parental involvement once they are in high school. This may be because teenagers often discourage their parents from becoming involved. Parents are also unsure how to help and many high schools don t make parental involvement a high priority. However, studies show that students who have parents that remain involved throughout high school are much more likely to complete college. These students are then three times more likely to complete a bachelor s degree than children of parents who were not involved in high school (www.ncpie, 3).
Children have the capacity to excel to great heights. “We know that children whose parents are participating in their schooling have better attendance, have more positive attitudes toward school, and achieve at higher level. We believe that it is the responsibility of the school to reach out to families and build the bridge that will result in the kind of partnership that makes a difference for the kids (PTA, 17). That bridge will be what makes your child grow into the best type of person around, not just the smartest. Parents are also there to show their children that they do have to ability to do so. That is why it is so important to have parents to help with whatever need be, not just school, but life.
It is essential for parents to become and stay involved in their children s education. It has been shown that when parent s are involved in education the children perform better in school, they are less likely to drop out, and they are more likely to graduate from a 4 year university. Throughout education there have been many milestones and parent involvement is one of them. Although there are many parents who are still not involved in their child s education, in the future they will realize that the benefits are worth the time and effort.
“Parents are a child s first and perhaps most important teachers. They teach their children attitudes, habits, and values that help shape their character and remain with them throughout life.”
The World Book Encyclopedia
Works Cited
Coleman, Mick and Charlotte Wallings. “Connecting Families and Classrooms Using Family Involvement.” Childhood Education. Summer 2000: 209-220.
Hickey, Mary C. “The Busy Woman s Guide to Participating in Your Child s School.” Ladies Home Journal. October 2000:18-19.
Hickman, Catherine Wehlburg. “The Future of High School Success: The Importance of Parent Involvement in Programs. [Online] Available horizon.unc.edu/projects/hsj/Hichman.asp, February 2000.
Pape, Barbara. “Involving Parents Lets Students and Teachers win.” Education Digest. February 1999: 47-52.
Rose, Mary C. “Reaching Every Parent.” Instructor. October 2000: 11-14.
———- “Education.” The World Book Encyclopedia. 2000 ed: 86-92.
———- The National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education. [Online] Available ncpie
——— “PTA Issues Standards for Parent Involvement in Education.” Reading Today. April/May 1997: 16-17.
———- “Parent Organizations Can Help.” NEA Today. October 1997: 6-7
Другие работы по теме:
College Essay Essay Research Paper It would
College Essay Essay, Research Paper It would be conventional to choose a parent, family member, friend, or teacher as a significant source of influence in ones life. However I am not conventional or at least I try not to be. I am very open-minded and observant. My personality and work exhibit eclectic-laden themes drawn from a chaotic world of sources in which I perceive.
The One Thing In Society That Makes
Me Angry Essay, Research Paper There are many reasons why teens are sad. When a teen recieves a “D” on the report card, he or she can get depressed. When a shcool football team loses a game, this makes the teen sad also. The thing that bothers me most about society is school bullying.
Parent Relationships Essay Research Paper In many
Parent Relationships Essay, Research Paper In many of the works of literature I have read in this particular class, I noticed that many of the characters are parents. Which leads me to ask the following questions? How are parent/child relationships represented in early literature and how do these representations compare with representations, either real or literary, in our society?
Violence Essay Research Paper There has been
Violence Essay, Research Paper There has been a lot of controversy regarding the lyrics with negative messages, and they say it has an impact on our youth. Me being a teenager who listens to that kind of music, I don t agree with them. For years teenagers have been killing, and using drugs and doing violent things.
Good Or Evil Essay Research Paper Is
Good Or Evil Essay, Research Paper Is Man Inherently Good, Bad, Both? Psychologists often struggle with the question does man have inherently good characteristics, or do they lead to the negative. What makes a man act the way he does? Is it nature, hormone imbalances, or the way he is raised? Man s intrinsic characteristics can be good bad or both.
Music Worlds Essay Research Paper There are
Music Worlds Essay, Research Paper There are many types of harassment but in this article we will be visiting verbal harassment. Once a student hits middle school they experience new situations. One situation happens to be the harassment from other students. For some this is difficult, they have never had groups of kids laughing and making jokes about them.
Child Care 2
Child Care – The Effect On Family Life Essay, Research Paper More and more families are putting their children into daycare every day. There are different reasons as to why they have to do this. The main reasons are that both parents have to work, or the child is in a single parent situation, and the parent has to work in order to have an income to buy basic needs.
Educatio Darthur Essay Research Paper Educatio Darthur
Educatio Darthur Essay, Research Paper Educatio Darthur (The Education of Arthur) Arthurian legends depict the lives and customs of fifth century life. T.H. White s The Once and Future King portrays King Arthur in his boyhood as Wart. The education of Wart relies on the teachings of Merlyn and the six transformations that Wart goes through.
Parental Rights Essay Research Paper Thoughts on
Parental Rights Essay, Research Paper Thoughts on the Parental Responsibility Act Eighteen cases, in 1990, resulted in a parent serving time in jail for crimes committed by his or her child. In my opinion, I
What To Expect Essay Research Paper How
What To Expect Essay, Research Paper How much should parents expect from their children? Or more importantly, what should they expect? All parents have their own opinion on the subject whether it’s correct or not. Throughout the world parents are trying to raise their children the best they can, mostly to be like them or possibly better.
Credit Cards Essay Research Paper Should teens
Credit Cards Essay, Research Paper Should teens have a credit card? Some people feel that it is a good thing for a teen to have. Others see it as a bad thing. I feel that it is a good thing to have if you are teen. There are a couple of reasons for this. For instance, if you need some extra cash because you have run out of money when you were at the gas station a credit card would be helpful.
Accepting Responsibility Essay Research Paper As a
Accepting Responsibility Essay, Research Paper As a parent with a young child, your main goal is to teach him responsibility. When children are growing up, especially your own children, you only want what is best for them. You want them to make good decisions and the right choices. But as we all know, sometimes that is not always what happens; that is why not only children but people must accept responsibility for their actions.
Gun Control 2 Essay Research Paper We
Gun Control 2 Essay, Research Paper We the students of class 7-508 do not agree with the statement that people should carry weapons. We do not agree with this statement
Ethics Of Cloning Essay Research Paper Cloning
Ethics Of Cloning Essay, Research Paper Cloning humans is unethical because the clone is not born the normal way, but is created from one parent instead of two by duplicating someone s DNA. Therefore it is causing the clone to be neglected the two-parent family. Some of the scientist that cloned the sheep Dolly says cloning the sheep was a complete success but all are convinced that cloning humans is ethically wrong and should not be allowed. (Kestenbaum, David, 1965) Frank Monton explains that there is now worldwide recognition from governments, professional medical bodies and bioethics committees that to clone a human would be unethical (Monton, Frank, C4).
Teenage Parent Good Or Bad Essay Research
Paper Michael Malleske English 085 Being A teenage Parent:Good or Bad? Is being a teenage parent as hard as people say it is? From some people’s perspective, the answer may be yes! But the people who have a positive attitude and are realistic, their answer might be different. I personally can relate and feel that there are many reasons that being a teen-parent can teach you a lot and be beneficial.
Gangs Essay Research Paper la Springer Parent
Gangs Essay, Research Paper la Springer Parent and Child Development Tuesday, December 5, 2000 Gangs a Violent Reality Gangs are a violent reality that people have to deal with in today?s society. Kids
Green Moss Essay Research Paper In the
Green Moss Essay, Research Paper In the essay entitled “The Decline of Fatherhood” the author David Popenoe discuses the problem of children growing up without their fathers. The subject of fatherless homes hits right at home for me. I was raised in a single parent home, but unlike the cases that Popenoe discuses, my father stayed in my life.
School Violence Essay Research Paper Every day
School Violence Essay, Research Paper Every day a child is hurt purposely, or accidentally by another classmate. There are many things that cause people to take violence out on other people. It could possibly be parenting, bullies, television, and even video games.
Do Parents Expect Too Much From Their
Kids Essay, Research Paper Do parents expect too much from their children? or Do parents expect too little from their children? Well there are many ways to look at this. In this persuasive
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Child AbuseChild
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Child Abuse Child Abuse is behavior by and adult that harms a child?s physical, mental, or emotional health and development. Some types of child abuse are neglect, and physical abuse. An example of neglect would be medical neglect. This is where the child does not get the proper medical attention needed.
Lying To Children Essay Research Paper Lying
Lying To Children Essay, Research Paper Lying to Children The environment children grow in is a major contributor in shaping their behavior. Parents must be good role models for their children. If a parent lies to his child, the child will eventually assume that it is OK to tell lies. They will start lying and use more lies to cover up for them selves or for friends.
Child Development Essay Research Paper The InfantToddler
Child Development Essay, Research Paper The Infant/Toddler program at Citrus College is a Community base program and follows Title 5 regulations. The philosophy of the Infant/Toddler program follows the teachings of Magda Gerber who taught to respect everything the child does and most of their philosophy comes from the WestEd training.
Cell Reproduction Essay Research Paper Bio bugs
Cell Reproduction Essay, Research Paper Bio bugs The bio bugs were a great example of cell reproduction and heredity. In this essay I will discuss all the concepts of cell reproduction and heredity as they apply to the bio bugs.
What Makes A Good Parent Essay Research
Paper What Makes a Good Parent What makes a good parent? I know that some people would not be able to answer this question, but that is what I am here for. In my opinion there are three major qualities that make a good parent. They are love, support, and sacrifice. These qualities are what you would be looking for in a “good” parent.
Jesus Essay Research Paper JesusJesus is the
Jesus Essay, Research Paper Jesus Jesus is the center of Christianity, born in Bethlehem in Judea. To believers Jesus is the son of Mary. He is the son of God. Jesus was divine but led an
Freud Essay Research Paper Freud
Freud Essay, Research Paper Freud’s Personality Theory The development of gender roles in deifferent forms of feminsm gives us a revealing overview of Freud’s personality theory. It is relatively
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Child AbuseWhy
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Child Abuse Why do some people feel the need to commit child abuse? Child abuse is something that affects many children in the U.S. It is not something to be taken lightly or to be over looked. Those people who commit abuse against children are people who are mentally unstable and are dangerous to society.
Child Abuse Essay Research Paper Smacking and
Child Abuse Essay, Research Paper Smacking and the Damage Done There has always been a fine line between discipline and child abuse. What a parent thinks is right may not always be what is healthy for a child. “The Broken Chain,” by M.F.K. fisher is an essay about a young girls history of child abuse. Though many people feel that disciplining a child physically is acceptable, abuse is abuse!
Parent Essay Research Paper What does the
Parent Essay, Research Paper What does the word parent mean to you? The definition of this word is, one who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child; a father or a mother. Yet, one interprets this word difrently depending on what life has had to offer us.
What Does The Word Parent Mean To
You? Essay, Research Paper What does the word parent mean to you? The definition of this word is, one who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child; a father or a mother.
Parents Influence In Kids Lifes Essay Research
Paper Parents Influence In Kids Lifes. Throughout the ages parents have had an impact on their child?s education and learning ability. It is strange for a child to succeed and accomplish a goal that requires 12- 16