What is parental involvement?

Why is it important?

• Research shows parental involvement has a positive effect on student achievement.
• Research shows parental involvement has a positive effect on student and parent self-esteem.
• Parents are the principal teachers of their children.
• The relationship between home and school is one of the most important factors affecting student learning.
• Mutual trust between school and home is critical.
• It is the school’s responsibility to initiate active communication with parents in order to establish a trusting relationship with them.
• Parent involvement is a partnership between the parents and the teachers. A positive partnership will empower the parents, the teachers, and the children.

Partnership promotes links between institutions that makes each stronger than it is on its own. But partnerships also give the community new insights into the problems and successes of educators and provide opportunities for parents and other citizens to make meaningful contributions to the schools. Many partnerships promote home/school interaction and enable principals and teachers to make better use of external resources. (Chapman as cited in Epstein, 1991, p.357).

Empowerment involves a process whereby we encourage our clients, pupils, or colleagues to believe in their own capabilities and competence to function effectively. We help them to turn that belief into action. (Damico, 1991, p.1).