Tips for Parents

Harrison County Schools Tips for Parents

What the research says about parent involvement in children's education in relation to success at school.

• The earlier a parent gets involved in a child's education the more helpful it is.

• The most effective type of parent involvement is when the parent works directly with the child on activities at home.

• Decades of research show that when parents are involved students have:

◦ Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates

◦ Better school attendance

◦ Increased motivation, better self-esteem

◦ Lower rates of suspension

◦ Decreased use of drugs and alcohol

◦ Fewer instances of violent behavior

• Families who participated in education were twice as likely to see students' academic success compared to families with high social and income factors, but no participation.

• The more intensely parents are involved, the more beneficial the achievement effects.

• Families whose children are doing well in school usually do the following:

◦ Establish a daily family routine. Examples: Providing time and a quiet place to study, assigning responsibility for household chores, being firm about bedtime, and having the evening meal together.

◦ Monitor out-of-school activities. Examples: Setting limits on TV watching, checking up on children when parents are not home, and arranging for after-school activities and supervised care.

◦ Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work. Examples: Communicating through questioning and conversation, demonstrating that achievement comes from working hard.

◦ Express high but realistic expectations for achievement. Examples: setting goals and standards that are appropriate for children's age and maturity, recognizing and encouraging special talents, informing friends and family and successes.

◦ Encourage children's development/progress in school. Examples: Maintaining a warm and supportive home, showing interest in children's progress at school, helping with homework, discussing the value of a good education and possible career options, and staying in touch with teachers and school staff.

  • Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members. Examples: Reading, listening to children read, and talking about what is being read.