Parental Involvement
Practitioners and policy makers alike intuitively accept the importance of parental involvement in schools; however, knowing how to meaningfully engage parents for the benefit of all children is less understood. School administrators and teachers face challenges related to reaching all parents in positive ways, implementing strategies that will result in improved student achievement, and balancing the needs of parents vis-à-vis educators’ professional autonomy. When parents participate in their children’s schooling, students may experience more academic and social success. Epstein (2001) suggests that parents who are informed and involved in their children’s school can positively impact their child’s attitude and performance. Parents’ awareness and interest in their children’s learning and school activities models for their children the importance of school, which may lead to positive behaviors. Importantly, Epstein’s research shows that parental involvement can have a positive impact on student’s academic work at all grade levels
