PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Child benefits of Parent Involvement

"The earlier in a child's school career his/her parents become involved, and that involvement is sustained, the bigger the payoff." (Goldberg, 1989)

The average child growing up in a middle class family has been exposed to 1,000 to 1,700 hours of one-on-one picture book reading before entering school. The average child growing up in a low-income family, however, has only been exposed to 25 hours of one-on-one reading during this same time period. Packard and MacArthur Foundation

"Children of parents who are involved have a more positive attitude about school, improved attendance and hove better homework habits that do children whose families are less involved." Epstein 1985, 2000.

"The benefits for young children begin with greater gains in reading for those who parents are encouraged by the teacher to help with reading activities at home." Gillum, Schooley, & Novack, 1977; Hewison 1988.

"Young children's cognitive/literacy school readiness skills are higher among those with more educated mothers." Child Trends Data Bank website

Parent benefits of Parent Involvement

"A parent who becomes involved in his child's schooling is likely to show positive and consistent effects on his ideas and knowledge about helping the child an on his evaluation of a teacher's merits." Epstein, 1984.

"Parents involved with school in parent-related activities show increased self-confidence in parenting, more knowledge of child development and an expanded understanding of the home as an environment for student learning." Young Children - July 2001.

"A common misconception is that the goals of families with low incomes differ from those of middle-class schools, which leads to schools discouraging widespread parental involvement." Brandt, 1989.

Teacher benefits of Parent Involvement

"A teacher who involves parents in children's learning is more likely to report a greater understanding of families' cultures, an increased appreciation for parental interest in helping their children and a deeper respect for parents' time and abilities." Young Children - July 2001.

"If schools take parent involvement seriously and work to involve all parents, then social class and parent level of education decrease or disappear as important factors." Brandt, 1989.

"Administrative support is critical and school wide policies and commitment are essential elements of successful family involvement programs." Williams & Chavkin, 1989.

"The reasons families don't become more involved in schools stem in part from parental perceptions of school and teacher unavailability, awkwardness of communication and missed opportunities due to conflicting schedules." Bracey, 1996.