Students whose parents stay involved in school have better attendance and behavior, get better grades, demonstrate better social skills and adapt better to school. Parental involvement also more securely sets these students up to develop a lifelong love of learning, which researchers say is key to long-term success.
A generation ago, the National PTA found that three key parent behaviors are the most accurate predictors of student achievement, transcending both family income and social status:
In one instance, researchers looking at children’s academic and social development across first, third and fifth grade found that improvements in parental involvement are associated with fewer “problem behaviors” in students and improvements in social skills. Researchers also found that children with highly involved parents had “enhanced social functioning” and fewer behavior problems.
Parent involvement also benefits teachers. Knowing more about a student helps teachers prepare better and knowing that they have parents’ support ensures that teachers feel equipped to take academic risks and push for students to learn more.
The Effect of Parental Involvement on Student Behavior