Parental involvement in school determines student success. Engaged parents can create a supportive environment for students. They can produce academic growth and personal development. However, negative parental behavior leads to a disruptive classroom. Negativity affects students and teachers. It harms the school climate when parents criticize rules, content, and books. It leads students to disrespect teachers and staff members.
Parental Involvement Importance
Educators support parental and family involvement in schools to improve education. A high percentage of educators prefer parents to be engaged in schools. Together, parents and teachers give students more opportunities for experiences. Open communication creates opportunities for the development of social, emotional, and academic skills. Students show confidence and motivation to learn. In working together, good behaviors are reinforced.
- Begin family involvement during the open house. This is a good way to meet families.
- Find out the best method of communication.
- Let it be known the importance of education at home. Positive attitudes toward school need to start at home.
- Reading starts at home and develops in school. Develop a love of reading and learning.
- Homework and the completion of assignments are important.
- Encourage students to ask relevant questions on content for understanding.
Educators and parents need to build trust with each other and their communities.
Parents Rights
Parents rights are not new. Parents legally have the right to review the school curriculum and budgets and speak at the board meetings. They also have the right to protect their child’s privacy and know how their child is kept safe.
Today, the parents’ rights movement has gained media attention. Groups have taken political action to elect certain individuals to school boards. They want oversight of what is being taught in the classroom. Parent groups have taken action to ban books from school libraries that contain content on race, gender, and sexuality.
Thus, administrators have given parents a voice in the decision-making process of the district’s strategic plan and curriculum. Educators understand parents ask questions that may not have been considered. The more diversity connected with planning, the more opportunities available for student success.
Other parent rights groups have spread misinformation about what is happening in schools. They share unreliable social media sources and personal beliefs. This hurts and disrupts the educational system.
Dos and Don’ts for Parents
- Do not frequently complain to teachers about minor issues.
- Do attempt to resolve issues with the student.
- Do not ignore school or classroom rules.
- Do follow procedures accordingly.
- Do not ignore conference time in the school.
- Do attend conferences and meetings.
- Do not place extracurricular activities first.
- Do choose academics over outside activities.
It’s important to keep communication open. Parents and teachers need to work together to produce a stable and consistent learning environment for students.