subject: Can Parental Involvement Raise Educational Achievement? [print this page] It may seem obvious that children whose parents are involved in their education will do better than those who are less well supported, but this has recently been validated by a report from the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth.
The report looks at parental involvement with their childrens schools and teachers and the effect this may have on long term progress and development.
It concluded that parents who involve themselves with the school and build up a supportive relationship are making a positive impact. However, the greatest benefits were found to be from parents who encourage and support learning at home.
The report explained that these benefits are wide ranging and include a lower likelihood of students dropping out of education, a higher proportion of students taking higher educational courses and going on to tertiary education and overall better scores in grades and tests.
Students whose parents encouraged informal and formal home learning also benefitted socially, showing fewer instances of behaviour problems, better social cohesion with peers and good social skills. They were also more likely to have a good attendance record. Also mentioned was a 2008 study which showed that family financial input into informal home based education added approximately $1000 to each pupils education.
The recent introduction of the Australian Education Bill 2012 is the start of the governments attempt to radically reform the education system and Peter Garrett, School Education Minister, welcomed the report coming at this time, commenting that;
"With the National Plan for School Improvement now enshrined in legislation, we are moving forward with historic education reforms,"
"Our plan recognises the value of parental and community engagement. and
"We want every school to have a School Improvement Plan which will include details of how the school will work with parents and will be developed in consultation with parents and the school community."
Tips to help schools and parents work together
School staff supporting parents
Efforts to build and keep good relationships between schools and parents
Parents and teachers understanding and adhering to their own roles in the education process
Engagement with the local community and its needs
Good channels of communication and information sharing between parents, schools and communities
