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Researchers have been studying the effects parent attitudes and actions have on their children's academic success for more than 30 years. The results have been consistent. Anne Henderson and Nancy Berla summed it up in their book A New Generation of Evidence: The Family Is Critical to Student Achievement, which reviewed the existing research: "When parents are involved in their children's education at home, they do better in school. And when parents are involved in school, children go farther in school and the schools they go to are better."  A three-year study of 12,000 school students concluded that "When parents come to school regularly, it reinforces the view in the child's mind that school and home are connected and that school is an integral part of the whole family's life."

Research shows that when parents are involved in their children's education, the children are more likely to:

• earn better grades.

• score higher on tests.

• pass their classes.

• attend school regularly.

• have better social skills.

• show improved behavior.

• be more positive in their attitude toward school.

• complete homework assignments.

• graduate and continue their education.

 

One study found that students from families with above-average parent involvement were 30 percent more successful in school than those with below-average involvement. Success was measured by GPA; test scores in math, science, reading, and social studies; promotion and retention rates; and teacher ratings.

 

Parent involvement is a powerful tool.  Spread the word.