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Mary J. Fischer and Angran Li (2017) point out that parental networks such as PTO and PTA programs within schools can help encourage parental support. By working together, parents gather support and plan activities to benefit the school community. "Parents may join forces to
address a particular problem or concern about school-related issues. They may also engage in
different organizational contexts, including parent–teacher organizations (PTOs or PTAs),
that support a range of activities that serve the school community" (p. 356).

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This Edutopia article outlines some of the benefits that parental involvement can have on a child's educational success.

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The National PTA shares findings about the benefits of involving parents in education.

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Partnering with Parents in the Writing Classroom

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Partnering with Parents in the Writing Classroom

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Melinda A. Zurcher (2016) conducted research on the benefits of parental involvement reflected in writing instruction. She states that "any time spent coordinating or communicating with parents will be recovered and multiplied in the future as parents become allies in the writing classroom" (p. 368).

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Parental Involvement Benefits At-Risk Students

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Parental Involvement Benefits At-Risk Students

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The IRA (2002) investigated the need for parental involvement among at risk students. “Children with low income and culturally and racially diverse families experience greater success when schools involve families, enlist them as
allies, and build on their strengths” (p. 3). According to the IRA's study, parental involvement was more indicative to student performance than previous educational background or socioeconomic status.

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Xin Ma, Jianping Shen, Huilan Y. Krenn, Shanshan Hu, Jing Yuan (2015) write...

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Xin Ma, Jianping Shen, Huilan Y. Krenn, Shanshan Hu, Jing Yuan (2015) write...

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"There is little doubt that parental involvement is important to educational success. While
strongly emphasizing early school success, no federal policies have more explicitly prescribed
parental involvement for public education than NCLB that mandated 'effective parental
involvement that fosters achievement to high standards for all children' (Section 1111.d)." (p. 3)

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Lily Eskelsen Garcia and Otha Thornton, NEA Today

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Lily Eskelsen Garcia and Otha Thornton, NEA Today

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Garcia & Thorton (2008) state: "Ongoing research shows that family engagement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores parents’ confidence in their children’s education. Students with involved parents or other caregivers earn higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, and show improved behavior."

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American Education Week (AEW) is celebrated each year during the last full week before Thanksgiving. Founded by the National Education Association (NEA) and The American Legion in 1921, with the U.S. Department of Education joining in 1922, AEW was created in response to 25 percent of World War I draftees being illiterate and nine percent deemed physically unfit to serve their country.

In its resolution, NEA called for "an educational week... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs."

Today, American Education Week is co-sponsored by National PTA and 11 other national education organizations. The theme for this year's celebration is Great Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility, a renewed call to all citizens-parents, teachers, education support professionals, elected officials, community leaders, and yes, students-to make our schools great for all Americans.

As part of the weeklong celebration, Tuesday, Nov. 18 has been designated "Parents Day" to encourage parents to visit their child's school and spotlight the importance of family engagement in education.

While the nation and our public education system have changed a lot since 1921, one factor-family engagement-remains critical to student achievement. Ongoing research shows that family engagement in schools improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism, and restores parents' confidence in their children's education. Students with involved parents or other caregivers earn higher grades and test scores, have better social skills, and show improved behavior.

Becoming active in a school's parent group is an important way to increase involvement. Involvement also encompasses:

Setting goals with children and fostering achievement of those goals;

Accessing and using children's academic scores to ensure they're on track;

Frequently viewing the parent portal (or whichever tool their school uses);

Developing a relationship with children's teachers and keeping in touch with them often; and

Advocating for improvements in the school building and with local school boards and state and federal government to ensure schools have the resources they need to provide a world class education to every student.

The most significant type of involvement is what parents do at home. By monitoring, supporting and advocating, parents can be engaged in ways that ensure that their children have every opportunity for success.

As the leaders of the nation's largest education and child advocacy associations, we have seen firsthand the positive impact of family engagement on student success and school improvement. We encourage all parents to take an active role in their children's education on "Parents Day" and all year round.

Great schools are a basic right and our shared responsibility. To all parents and families, "thank you" for being part of the education team. Find out more on how parents and families can contribute to student success by visiting the National Education Association and the National Parent Teacher Association.
Lily Eskelsen García is president of the National Education Association. Otha Thornton is president of the National Parent Teacher Association.

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The Enduring Importance of Parental Involvement

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American Education Week (AEW) is celebrated each year during the last full week before Thanksgiving. Founded by the National Education Association (NEA) and The American Legion in 1921, with the U.S. Department of Education joining in 1922, AEW was created in response to 25 percent of World War I draftees being illiterate and nine percent deemed physically unfit to serve their country.

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TEDx Talk: Teacher and Parent Relationships- A Crucial Ingredient

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TEDx Talk: Teacher and Parent Relationships- A Crucial Ingredient

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Cecille Carroll shares lessons she has learned and approaches for strengthening connections between home and school.

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Teacher and parent relationships - a crucial ingredient: Cecile Carroll at TEDxWellsStreetED

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This is a resource that could be used to show parents the importance of their involvement in their child's education