Research Overview

Data and research make it clear: the earlier a parent gets involved in a child’s education, the more powerful the effects. Regardless of family income or background, students with more engaged parents do better in and out of the classroom. These students are likely to:

• Earn higher grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs;
• Be promoted, pass their classes, and earn credits;
• Attend school regularly;
• Avoid drugs and alcohol;
• Stay clear of violent behavior;
• Have better social skills, show improved behavior, and adapt well to school; and
• Graduate and go on to postsecondary education

Source: Parent Teacher Association; Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (2002)

Other data makes it clear that the earlier a parent gets involved in a child's educational process, the more powerful the effects. Consider:

-- Parents of high-achieving students set higher standards for their children's educational activities than parents of low-achieving students.

Source: Clark, R.M. (1990). Why Disadvantaged Children Succeed. Public Welfare (Spring): 17-23.

-- When schools encourage children to practice reading at home with parents, the children make significant gains in reading achievement, compared to those who only practice at school.

Source: Tizard, J.; Schofield, W.N.; & Hewison, J. (1982). Collaboration Between Teachers and Parents in Assisting Children's Reading.

-- The more parents participate in schooling, in a sustained way, at every level -- in advocacy, decision-making and oversight roles, as fund-raisers and boosters, as volunteers and as home teachers -- the better for student achievement.

Source: Williams, D.L. & Chavkin, N.F. (1989). Essential elements of strong parent involvement programs. Educational Leadership, 47, 18-20

There's a lot more data on local education available online from our partner, Palm Beach County Counts.

What did the research teach you?