Students whose parents are involved exhibit more positive attitudes towards their education. A study by Henderson and Berla in 1994 showed that when parents are involved in their children's education, those children have a higher chance for academic success. This success occurs regardless of other influences such as socio-economic background and parents' educational background. When a parent is involved in his child's education, it demonstrates interest in that child's life, which in turn increases that child's self-esteem.
Of course, when a child benefits, that child's parents benefit as well. Parents who remain active in their children's education know what their children are doing. If a child is falling behind, getting into trouble or excelling in a particular area, the involved parent is the first to know. Involved parents are more secure in their decision-making skills because they are informed.
When parents are involved in their children's education, those children's teachers benefit. It has been shown that schools with high levels of parental involvement also have high levels of teacher morale. Studies by Henderson and Berla (1994) have shown that educators are treated with greater respect when parents are involved. Teachers also gain a better understanding of their students' backgrounds, giving them more information on which to build their lessons and activities.
Henderson and Berla's 1994 studies concluded that school programs are of a higher quality and are more effective when parents are involved. The community often has a more positive view of schools with high levels of parent involvement, causing the community to provide more support for the school.