Some parents have been involved in their children’s education for many years. This, I think has happened, because they realize that there are benefits to be derived when they participate in their children’s education.
Going to elementary school as a child, my mom made sure she knew what subject(s) her children were not proficient in, and she made arrangements for our teachers to give us private lessons, which was offered at the school, so that we could get caught up, and be on par with our peers. She was heavily involved in our school activities and everything that was taking place at the school. My mom would sometimes show up at school unannounced to make sure that her children were on their best behavior. All our teachers were accustomed to her, because she made her presence known.
Studies have shown that parent involvement in children’s education leads to better student achievement as well as other outcomes. These include children’s attitude toward school or particular subject areas: classroom behavior, time spent on homework, self-confidence, motivation, attendance, expectations for their future, and retention.
As a teacher, I have found that when parents get involved with their children’s school programs, their children tend to do very well. Whenever they are not as involved, the children are less interested in school, and what it has to offer. In addition, researchers have also found that the schools with the most successful parent involvement programs are those which offer a variety of ways parents can participate. Recognizing that parents differ greatly in their willingness, ability, and availability, these schools also encourage parents to spend quality time with their children doing homework and reading.
As mentioned above, parent participation in their children’s education can affect how children behave in their classrooms. Without proper classroom behavior, learning will take a back seat. It is the hope of every teacher, that when a child enters a classroom he or she will display his or her best behavior, in order to help to make the classroom conducive to learning. However, both you and I know that that is a utopian concept, because not every child will display acceptable behavior in class. On the other hand however, when children are aware that their parents are more interested in their school’s day to day activities, they will become more serious about conducting themselves in a proper manner. They will show more interest in their class work and homework, and they will also show more interest in other school activities. This will definitely boost their self worth as well as their confidence.
Overall, parent involvement in their children’s education has a big impact on the outcome or success of the children. It boosts morale, get children’s behavior in check, and it definitely gives them a sense of self worth. So, it is very important for parents to “get on board” with the idea of getting involved with their child or children’s education.