how to increase parental involvement in schools

Parental involvement in schools is crucial for student success. Research has shown that when parents are actively involved in their children’s education, students tend to have better academic outcomes, such as higher grades and test scores, and are more likely to graduate from high school. Here are a few strategies that schools can use to increase parental involvement:

1. Communicate effectively: One of the most important ways to increase parental involvement is to communicate effectively with parents. This includes providing regular updates on their child’s progress, as well as information about school events and activities. Schools can use a variety of communication methods such as newsletters, emails, text messages, and parent-teacher conferences to keep parents informed and engaged.
2. Involve parents in decision-making: Another way to increase parental involvement is to involve parents in decision-making processes. This can include creating parent-teacher organizations (PTOs), establishing a parent-teacher council, and holding parent-teacher conferences. Parents who feel that their opinions and perspectives are valued are more likely to be involved in their child’s education.
3. Provide opportunities for volunteering: Providing opportunities for parents to volunteer in the school can also increase parental involvement. This can include opportunities to assist in the classroom, chaperone field trips, and serve as mentors or tutors.
4. Host events: Hosting events such as open houses, family nights, and parent-teacher conferences can help to increase parental involvement. These events provide an opportunity for parents to connect with teachers, staff, and other parents, and to learn more about the school and their child’s education.
5. Create a welcoming environment: Creating a welcoming environment for parents in the school can also increase parental involvement. This can include providing translated materials for non-English speaking parents, and providing child care during events and meetings.
6. Provide support: Schools can also provide support for parents, such as parenting classes, resources, and referrals to community services. This can help to empower parents and to give them the skills and resources they need to support their child’s education.

It’s important to note that parental involvement is not a one-size-fits-all solution and the effectiveness of parental involvement can vary depending on the school and community. Schools must take the initiative to understand the needs and preferences of the parents, and create a customized plan to increase parental involvement. Additionally, parental involvement should be seen as a partnership between school and home, not just the responsibility of the school.