A child’s achievement in school depends largely on family involvement. “The most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is not income or social status but the extent to which that student’s family is involved in the child’s education.” (Henderson and Berla,1994)
Benefits for Children
· Children tend to achieve more, regardless of ethnic or racial background, socioeconomic status, or parents’ education level.
· Children generally achieve better grades, test scores, and attendance.
· Children consistently complete their homework.
· Children have better self-esteem, are more self-disciplined, and show higher aspirations and motivation toward school.
· Children’s positive attitude about school often results in improved behavior in school and less suspension for disciplinary reasons.
· Fewer children are being placed in special education and remedial classes.
· Children from diverse cultural backgrounds tend to do better when parents and professionals work together to bridge the gap between the culture at home and the culture in school.
· Junior high and high school students whose parents remain involved usually make better transitions and are less likely to drop out of school.
Benefits for Parents
· Parents increase their interaction and discussion with their children and are more responsive and sensitive to their children’s social, emotional, and intellectual developmental needs.
· Parents are more confident in their parenting and decision-making skills.
· As parents gain more knowledge of child development, there is more use of affection and positive reinforcement and less punishment on their children.
· Parents have a better understanding of the teacher’s job and school curriculum.
· When parents are aware of what their children are learning, they are more likely to help when they are requested by teachers to become more involved in their children’s learning activities at home.
· Parents’ perceptions of the school are improved and there are stronger ties and commitment to the school.
· Parents are more aware of, and become more active regarding, policies that affect their children’s education when parents are requested by school to be part of the decision-making team.
Benefits for Walton Academy
· Private schools that actively involve parents and the community tend to establish better reputations in the Greenville, NC private school community.
· Private schools also experience better community support.
· Private school programs that encourage and involve parents usually do better and have higher quality programs than programs that do not involve parents