Parental involvement in schools has shown to be a strong force towards student success. When schools are able to collaborate with parents on an individual student's need, the school has an opportunity to provide more supports and services. The National Education Association reports that research shows that students whose parents are involved in their education are more likely to:
• Adapt well to school
• Have higher attendance rates
• Earn higher scores in school work
• Graduate
• Demonstrate improvements in behavior
Collaboration allows for continuity between the home and school environment and increases the likelihood of student cooperation. Some parents report struggles with what to address at parent teacher conferences, who they can contact when they have a concern, knowing what supports are offered within a school, and more. Schools offer open houses at the beginning of the year to help provide this information. During the school year, students who transfer or when parents may notice challenges it is important for school and parents to make and maintain contact.
If parents have any questions or concerns, parents are encouraged to email their student's teacher, school counselor or school social worker. Teachers, counselors and the school social worker are available to help find resources to support student success and assist families with addressing challenges. Contact can be made through email or by calling the school. Each school has a website with the contact information provided.
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Editor's note: Amanda Childs is the social worker for Pea Ridge Schools.
Community on 04/13/2016