Parental involvement influences learner success: How to encourage parents to engage with their children's education

As a child progresses through education, the development of strong connections between their parents and teachers is vitally important (Drake, 2000). Effective home-school partnerships and parental involvement in children’s education have traditionally been a strong predictor of student academic achievement and - ultimately - success (Epstein, 2001). Therefore, understanding the powerful role of parents and the ways in which they can be an effective influence on their children is crucial in our effort to provide a truly supportive learning environment for students.

When parents are actively involved in their children’s education, students tend to perform better, achieve higher scores and have higher attendance rates. Apart from the academic benefits, however, a strong home-school connection also provides a sense of emotional security for the child, a safe environment, where students can develop socially and emotionally as they are supported in a consistent manner by both home and school (Marcon, 1999). This also promotes positive learner behaviour and positive attitudes towards school and learning within a context of shared expectations for learning, where any issues are addressed promptly (Epstein, 2001; Hoover-Dempsey, et.al., 2002). Learners are eventually able to develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning, which contributes to their general well-being and progress.

Parents need to be in regular contact with educators and engage in meaningful collaboration with them in order to better understand their child and address potential issues promptly and more effectively (Hoover-Dempsey et al., 2002). This will help them understand their child’s strengths, weaknesses, next steps and targets, rather than focus on test scores and grades. Successful parental involvement may also take the form of active discussions about school work at home or parental support with homework. It can also relate to a highly supportive home environment in general; one that encourages frequent participation in intellectual activities for the child or the family as a whole (Christenson & Sheridan, 2001). We have created a useful, downloadable guide with practical tips and ideas on how to actively support your child’s education at home.

The decision to be involved in their child’s education is not easy for all parents and this can be due to several factors and constraints, including tight work schedules, other family commitments or language/cultural barriers. Schools should, therefore, provide flexibility and support to all parents by providing various opportunities for them to get involved in the school community, offering multiple channels for communication (parent - teacher conferences, coffee mornings, parent workshops, newsletters, apps, emails) and being mindful of the diverse cultural backgrounds of their students’ families. For EAL parents who may be facing a language barrier, schools could also consider the opportunity to offer targeted English language support, ESOL classes, distance learning solutions or language-focussed workshops. For inspiring ideas and topics on parent workshops, please download our resource here. For a blended learning platform that helps keep parents engaged in the school community, you can check out the Community Village, brought to you by Across Cultures.