Parental Involvement, We Need to Care

Introduction

There are many socioeconomic problems in our public and private schools today. Educators deal with the overcrowding of classes, extreme budget cuts in our failing economic society and an extremely diverse culture in our students. So, according to our teachers today, what is the biggest problem in our classrooms? Most teachers that I have had this discussion with state, lack of parent involvement with the children once they get home is the most frustrating and ever growing problem in today’s classrooms. Teachers strive to find a way to get the parents of their students involved. Without the consistency of studies at home, children are not given the encouragement needed to reach their full potential.

Where Did We Go Wrong?

Numerous studies have proven that parental involvement in a child’s education has a direct impact on their school performance. In the 1800’s, it was the parents who were the educators. Knowledge was passed down from generation to generation. Slowly schools and outside entities were brought in to enhance our youth’s intelligence. Years passed and the teachings progressed from trade teachings to politics and religion. The boys from wealthy families were taught English and Math and about the constellations. In today’s ever growing and fluctuating society, we tend to expect the schools to carry the entire role of educating and molding our youth. Children of today are not expected to ask for parental involvement because we are too busy rising the corporate ladder, we do not speak the same language as what is being taught, we are too busy working three jobs, or our tax dollars are being put to good use so we do not have to be the teacher. Without the crucial impact of home involvement with our children’s education we have set our future to fail. Parents need to take on the responsibility that was given to us at the time of a child’s birth. We have to not only give food and shelter but, give the knowledge and encouragement that was afforded to us. Without the continual integration of school and home, children of today are at a serious disadvantage.

Socioeconomic Reasons

Research has been conducted to ascertain the socioeconomic factors behind the lack of parental involvement. One of the factors mentioned is the parent’s education structure. Did both parents finish high school? Did any parent progress to a university? “Children’s grades test scores, graduation rates, and enrollment … tends to increase with each level of education which their mothers have completed.” (Henderson & Berla pg. 22). It makes sense to think that if you are a parent who took education seriously then you would pass this down to your child. These type of parents would also have to tools to teach their children how to study, would emphasize the importance of reading and encourage their young to strive for excellence. Another socioeconomic hinder is family income. This is not to say that all lower income families do not play an intricate role in their children’s education. This is simply stating that research has shown the more affluent a family is, the more possibility there is that one or more of the parents have a post-secondary education. Due to the rising costs of universities, lower income families have a higher risk of migrating into the workforce rather than attending college. Those families that have post-secondary education have the knowledge to help their children’s education progress. This further education also helps facilitate the parent teacher relation. Parent’s who have a higher education are more comfortable interacting with the teachers in their child’s education.

References

Dunne, D.W. (2006). Increase Parent Involvement with First Day of School Activities. Education World, Retrieved May 18, 2008, from http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin177.shtml

Terry Ehrich, publisher of Hemmings Motor News, had the idea that if the first day of school was more like a holiday, where parents could participate in fun school activities, then maybe parents would be more involved in what happens in their children’s schools. Ehrich received a Presidential service Award for his idea from President Clinton in 1999.