The Benefits of Parent Involvement in Education

If you're a parent, your support is an important factor in your students' success. But that investment should go beyond mere encouragement at home and extend to supporting their efforts in a learning environment. Let's take a look at how parent involvement in education can benefit everyone, whether they're students, educators, or parents.

Why Parent Involvement in Education Is Important

With smaller class sizes and more personalized learning, charter schools like NDCHS provide a unique opportunity for parents to establish a strong line of communication with educators.

Improved student achievement

Time after time, studies reveal that students whose parents are actively involved in their education tend to achieve higher grades, perform better on tests, and have better school attendance. This involvement helps reinforce the curriculum students are learning in the classroom. The academic benefits of parent involvement extend beyond high school, too! One study found that students who discuss school courses with their parents have 44% higher odds of attending post-secondary education.

Better motivation, attitude, and self-esteem

When parents take a vested interest in their child’s education, it can boost student motivation and enthusiasm for learning.

Since educators and parents are on the same team, they have a shared responsibility for keeping students on track. Engaged parents often help students with their homework, monitor their progress, and set expectations for behavior.

When parents show interest in school activities, students feel valued and understood. Positive reinforcement helps them develop a stronger belief in their own skills and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Obstacles become opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable barriers. This nurturing environment not only boosts their self-esteem but also instills a lifelong confidence in their capacity to succeed.

If, as a parent, you're unable to adequately assist with homework or keep track of your student’s efforts, be clear with school administration and teachers about your capacities. They might be able to provide additional tutoring resources that can supplement classroom learning.

Support for social and emotional development

Parents who are involved in their child’s education can better support their social and emotional development. They can help students develop good study habits, manage stress, and navigate social relationships with their peers.

But social-emotional support isn't just something students need to enhance their academic performance. When students have this kind of support in high school, they're also better able to self-regulate socially and emotionally. They'll carry these skills with them as they navigate the ins and outs of adulthood, whether that's college, the workforce, or beyond.

Stronger home-school connection

Clear and effective communication between parents, teachers, and school administrators is crucial for fostering a supportive educational environment. Actively involved parents are better able to make more informed decisions about their child’s education. They're also better equipped to advocate for their child’s needs and collaborate with teachers and school staff.

Parent-teacher communication should involve regular, open dialogue where all parties share insights, concerns, and feedback respectfully and transparently. This might involve home visits, parent-teacher conferences, or digital communication tools.

At New Dawn, we use software called Jupiter to facilitate communication. This web-based software is a learning management system designed to help educational institutions get real-time access to student grades, homework and tests. The learning module offers grading files, online tests, interactive lessons, rubrics, math & chemistry, text-to-speech, and peer reviews. We also use Google Classroom for collaborative work and assignments.

Questions to Ask Your Student

We know that teenagers aren't exactly known for their openness. However, every once in a while, you might find an opportune moment to engage with them about their education. And when you do ... grab it! Here are some questions that parents can use to spur discussion. 

Academic progress and school work

1. How are you feeling about your classes this semester?
2. Which subjects or assignments are you finding most interesting or challenging right now?
3. Have you had any recent tests or projects? How did they go?
4. Are there any particular topics or skills you’d like extra help with?

School life

1. What’s something new or interesting that’s happened at school recently?
2. Are you involved in any clubs or activities? How are they going?
3. Have you made any new friends or connected with anyone new at school?

Support and resources

1. Is there anything you feel like you need from me to help with your studies?
2. Are there any resources or tools you think would help you with your schoolwork?
3. How can I best support you during stressful times, like exams or project deadlines?

Future goals and aspirations

1. Are there any subjects or areas you’re thinking about exploring more deeply?
2. Have you started thinking about college or career plans yet? What are your thoughts?
3. Are there any skills or hobbies you’re interested in developing outside of school?

Personal well-being

1. How are you managing stress or pressure from school?
2. Do you feel like you have a good balance between school, activities, and relaxation?
3. How are you feeling overall about your school experience this year?

These are just some ideas to help you get started. If your student resists these kinds of open-ended questions, don't force it or allow their resistance to drive a wedge between you. Make it clear that you're invested in their success, and ready to have conversations about their education experience whenever they are.

Parent involvement at New Dawn Charter High School

At NDCHS, we aim to keep our students' families involved in every step of the educational journey. With strong support services and a commitment to both parent and student engagement, we provide an avenue for over-aged and under-credited students to earn a high school diploma. If you're considering NDCHS for your student, check out our admissions and enrollment page.