Extensive research shows that family engagement plays a crucial role in a child’s education. In 2019, the American Psychological Association examined 448 independent studies on parental involvement. The findings reveal that when parents are actively engaged in their children’s education, it improves students' academic performance and increases their motivation and involvement in school.
Family engagement benefits children by boosting academic achievement, enhancing social-emotional development, reducing behavioral issues, increasing attendance, and improving long-term outcomes. When parents are involved in their child's education, kids tend to achieve higher grades, perform well on tests, and are more likely to be promoted and graduate on time. Family engagement boosts a child's self-esteem, motivation, and social skills, leading to a more positive attitude toward education. This involvement reduces behavioral issues like tardiness and absences, increasing attendance rates and learning readiness. To increase parental involvement, educators should remove barriers to engagement.
Practical tips to effectively engage parents include addressing time constraints, language barriers, and cultural differences. Providing translation services, parent liaisons, and fostering trust among diverse families can enhance communication between schools and parents. Vito Borrello, executive director of the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement, says that parent involvement also gives teachers the tools to support their students better, Borrello said. “When teachers understand what their students are going through personally and at home and any challenges they may have, then that improves their teaching,” he said. “They’re able to support their student in ways they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”
Operation Xcel has developed effective strategies to increase parental involvement across its programs, recognizing parents' busy schedules. They offer parent nights, workshops, and community engagement presentations, often providing meals for families. Ms. Walton, the Family Engagement Coordinator, emphasizes that student achievement and well-being are central to their family engagement efforts. To meet the diverse needs of children, Operation Xcel employs bilingual site directors and staff trained to support students with exceptional needs. They ensure effective communication and respect for cultural differences at school and events. Success is measured through parental feedback and students’ academic and social-emotional achievements.
The goal of offering programs and services that promote parent engagement is to enhance students’ immediate and long-term achievement. Engaged families lead to improved academic performance, better social-emotional development, fewer behavior issues, and higher attendance rates. Ultimately, parent involvement empowers students to excel academically from elementary through high school. Their engagement also helps students potentially experience higher college attendance, and career success.
