Inform Article

Why Do Parents Reduce Involvement When Their Kids Reach High School?

07.05.2012
Posted by Leon Fooksman of yourPBC.org

Family involvement in education drops off steadily after elementary school. By high school, many parents/guardians are engaged on a very limited basis.

For many, being involved in their child's education becomes harder as students get older.

Many parents return to work when their children enter high school. Some families are intimidated by the high school environment and feel less confident about their ability in supporting their teen's academic progress at that level.

And simply: while a first-grader may not have a problem with Mom or Dad helping out with an art project, many older kids are mortified at the thought of their parents hanging around their classrooms or schoolyard.

Many experts believe it's imperative that parents remain involved in their child's education as he or she transitions into high school. Those years are tough on many students, considering that one-fourth of all ninth graders in the United States will not graduate from high school within four years. 

But how can parents overcome any embarrassment in staying engaged with their children deep into their high school experience? How do they support their children's education, and not spy on them?

Tell us your thoughts on how we, as a community, can create a more seamless path for parents to stay connected through the elementary, middle and high school years.

Share your thoughts below. You can also post your ideas on Twitter using the hashtag #ParentalInvolvement and on our Facebook page.