Parent

Involvement
and Community
Partnership
LEOMMEL P. BUENA
DISCUSSANT
RODEL A. FRIAS, Ph.D.
Professor
 Table of Contents

Introduction PARENT COMMUNITY

INVOLVEMENT INVOLVEMENT AND
PARTNERSHIP
Introduction
Parent-Teacher Partnership: Strengthening the School ...

Parent and community partnership in schools refers

to the collaborative efforts between parents,
community members, and the school to support
student learning and well-being. These partnerships
aim to create a supportive environment where
everyone works together to enhance students'
academic, social, and emotional development. This
includes parents being actively involved in their
children's education, and the school engaging with the
wider community to access resources and expertise.
Parent Involvement
This family involvement is essential
to students staying committed to their
education - not only through a school
year, but through the entire course of
schooling. Research backs that this is
true through any school district or
education program.
 What does parental involvement
in children’s schools mean?
For some parents, being involved means dropping off or picking
up their child from school, or asking whether their homework’s
complete. This isn’t to say those things are negative or unhelpful.

But the American Psychology Association calls for something more

— a shared responsibility: “[Parents] and school staff working together
to support and improve the learning, development and health of
children and adolescents.”

In the context of children’s education, parental involvement is a

broad term that can take many forms both inside and outside of
school. So, what role do parents play in education?

Depending on schedules, parents can help their children by

participating in school functions or obligations, advocating for the
school, and improving their children’s schoolwork.
Examples of getting involved at home
include:

Helping with homework

Modeling desired behavior
Providing ongoing encouragement
Monitoring homework completion
Creating a time and space for study
Parents can be more involved in
their child's school by:

Communicating with teachers

Volunteering for school activities
Attending parent-teacher
conferences
Helping with the governance of a
school council
Importance of parental
involvement in education?
In 1992, educator Armendia Dixon wrote: “Parental
involvement, in almost any form, produces measurable
gains in student achievement.” And it holds true today.

According to People for Education, an independent

Canadian organization, both types of activities outlined
above are crucial. However, research shows that students’
academic achievement and the presence of home-based
activities are more closely linked than school-based
activities.

What’s more, the National Center for Family &

Community Connections with School found students with
involved parents saw academic success regardless of
income or background. This means parents should be
especially intentional about getting involved in their child’s
Benefits of parental involvement in
education
1. Earn higher grades and test scores
The stronger the relationship between parental involvement and
children’s education, the more likely children are to achieve better grades
and score higher on tests.

Evidence: One study of 71 Title I elementary schools aiming to improve low-

income students’ academic skills is a perfect example. When teachers met
face to face with parents, sent helpful materials home, or discussed the
child’s trouble areas over the telephone, children’s achievements in both
reading and math improved.

2. Pass classes and earn credits

When parents are involved in education — at home and at school —
their children tend to earn higher grades and pass from one grade to the
next.

Evidence: After analyzing 700 parent interviews, researchers Wendy Miedel

and Arthur Reynolds found that 1st to 8th grade children whose parents
participated in more activities consistently got higher grades, spent less
time in special education, and passed more grades. These findings held
3. Reduce absenteeism
According to the Harvard Graduate School of Education, many parents:
Don’t fully understand the consequences of missing school, and; Tend to underestimate the
number of school days their child has missed. Since absenteeism can hurt children’s immediate
and future academic performance, it’s important for parents to be engaged and aware of how
much school their children miss.

Evidence: Education policy researchers Carly Robinson and Minoca Lee and psychologists Eric
Dearing and Todd Rogers led a 10,900-household study in which schools mailed home six
reminders of the importance of attendance throughout the year. Results showed that students in
the 6,500 families who received reminders missed 8% fewer school days. Amazingly, mailings to
families with the lowest attendance corresponded with a 15% reduction in chronic absenteeism.

4. Improve social skills, behavior, and adaptability

Study after study points toward the idea that parental involvement in education has strong
and positive effects on children’s classroom behavior and improved social skills.

Evidence: In a large analysis, non-profit organization Education Northwest found that parent
involvement leads to improvements in student attitudes and social behavior. The study stated,
generally, “active parent involvement is more beneficial than passive involvement, but passive
forms of involvement are better than no involvement at all.”
5. Graduate and pursue postsecondary education
In addition to the benefits above, over 45 years of
research has consistently shown that parental involvement in
education contributes to graduation rates -- regardless of
income, race, or ethnicity.

Evidence: Several studies like this one have found that when
parents are involved in their children’s education, school
success rates increase. School success, in this case, includes
fewer students being held back grade levels, lower dropout
rates, higher rates of on-time high school graduation, and
more participation in advanced courses.
Community involvement in schools
Refers to the engagement and participation of various
stakeholders, including parents, local organizations, and
community members, in the educational process. This
collaborative approach aims to enrich the learning
experience, provide additional resources, and foster a
supportive environment for students. By working
together, schools and the community can create a
positive impact on student achievement, well-being, and
overall success.
 Benefits of Community Involvement:
1. Enhanced Learning Experiences:
Community involvement brings real-world perspectives
into the classroom, making learning more relevant and
engaging for students.

2. Increased Support and Resources:

Partnerships with local businesses and organizations can
provide schools with financial assistance, mentorship
programs, internships, and other valuable resources.
3. Improved Student Outcomes:
Research indicates that community involvement is linked to
increased student achievement, reduced absenteeism, and
higher graduation rates.

4. Stronger Community Bonds:

Community involvement fosters collaboration and
strengthens relationships between schools, families, and
the broader community, creating a more supportive and
inclusive environment.

5. Development of Well-Rounded Individuals:

Community engagement provides students with
opportunities to develop social responsibility, leadership
skills, and a sense of civic engagement.
Examples of Community Involvement:
1. Volunteering:
Parents, community members, and local organizations can
volunteer their time to support school activities, tutor
students, or assist with special events.

2. Mentorship Programs:
Connecting students with mentors from the community can
provide guidance, support, and inspiration.

3. Fundraising Activities:
Collaborating with the community on fundraising initiatives
can help schools acquire much-needed resources.
4. Guest Speakers and Workshops:
Inviting community members with expertise in various fields
to share their knowledge with students can broaden their
horizons.

5. Service-Learning Projects:
Engaging students in community service projects allows
them to apply their learning to real-world situations and
develop a sense of social responsibility.

6. Parent and Community Involvement in School Events:

Encouraging parents and community members to attend
school events, such as sports games, concerts, and parent-
teacher conferences, can foster a sense of belonging and
support.
5. Graduate and pursue postsecondary education
In addition to the benefits above, over 45 years of
research has consistently shown that parental involvement in
education contributes to graduation rates -- regardless of
income, race, or ethnicity.

Evidence: Several studies like this one have found that when
parents are involved in their children’s education, school
success rates increase. School success, in this case, includes
fewer students being held back grade levels, lower dropout
rates, higher rates of on-time high school graduation, and
more participation in advanced courses.