What Research Is Saying About Parental Engagement

According to research published by the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (2002), students with involved parents, no matter what their income or background, are more likely to:

• Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs
  
• Be promoted, pass their classes and earn credits
  
• Attend school regularly
  
• Have better social skills, show improved behavior and adapt well to school
  
• Graduate and go on to post-secondary education

Furthermore, studies show that families of all income and education levels, and from all ethnic and cultural groups, are engaged in supporting their children's learning at home. White, middle-class families, however, tend to be more involved at school, and to be better informed about how to help their children. Supporting more involvement at school from all families may be an important strategy for addressing the achievement gap.

Six Types of Parent Involvement

Epstein (1995) describes six types of parental involvement in schools:

1. Parenting. The basic obligations of parents include housing, health, nutrition, and safety for their children. Parents also should provide home conditions for learning at all levels.

2. Communicating. The basic obligations of schools include school-to-home communication such as memos, notices, newsletters, report cards, conferences, and phone calls plus information on the school, courses, programs, and activities.

3. Volunteering. Parents volunteer their time and talents at school activities and fundraising.

4. Learning at Home. Parents help their children with homework and with setting educational goals.

5. Decision Making. Parents participate in PTA/PTO organizations and school decisions on policy, leadership, and advocacy.

6. Collaborating with the Community. Parents encourage partnerships with community resources and services