Are parents involved enough in their child’s education?
It may come as a surprise but most children who have their parents involved in their education are usually grateful for it. With the help of their parents, children are more focused on their schoolwork at home and they get better grades in their classes. If more parents were involved in their children's education, kids would do better in classes and enjoy school more. Picture taken by Aja Landolfi.
by Aja Landolfi, staff reporter
Many parents aren’t involved in their child’s learning and education. Whether it’s from the lack of care or time, children are the ones who end up suffering.
Parents should be very involved in their child’s learning. Research shows that kids benefit more when their parents are involved in their education. According to the National Education Association, some benefits that students show are that they “earn higher grades and test scores, earn credits and pass classes, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior, adapt to school well and graduate and go on to a postsecondary school.”
“My parents are really involved in my school work and want to make sure I do good. I think that most parents should be involved because it helps the kids prosper and get good grades,” freshman Christian Chamberlain said.
School age children spend an average of 70% of their waking hours outside of school. During this time they are pretty much free to do whatever they want. That means that they are only in school for 30% of their waking hours. During this 30% of time, they are pushed by teachers, and in some cases forced to do their work.
“I think they should be involved in encouraging the child to continue doing their work and achieve their goals. I don’t think they should be so involved like a forceful way, but in a way that the child can trust you like a friend,” junior Brendon Muniz said.
With most students spending 70% of their time not in school, parents should be involved in their child’s education. Teachers can only do so much. The teachers don’t go home with their students so they can’t force them to do their homework or study. If parents are more involved they can take the place of the teacher at home and make sure that their children are doing the work that they need to to help them succeed.
“As teachers we only see students for 40 minutes a day. The rest of the day they are at home, it is important for parents to be involved and to help students get their work done,” seventh grade teacher Ms. Cimini said.
Living in a household with involved parents, homework is always completed in a timely fashion. Students who have parents that are willing to help and offer encouragement are more likely to try their best in school. Receiving this encouragement from parents has a positive impact on students, because it shows how their parents care and that they want their child to receive a good education.
“Very involved! I know that it keeps me on track to have my mom know my grades and how I’m doing,” junior Adriana Anez said.
If parents become more involved with their children and the educational process, more kids would be encouraged to do better and try harder. There would be a lower high school dropout rate and higher test grades. Students need the encouragement and a little bit of pressure to help keep them on top of their school work and to help them get the most out of their education.