The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation of 2002 defined national educational standards to improve academic achievement. Federal school funding is based on compliance. Act 1 section 1118 of NCLB details parental participation in schools. Parental involvement is "the participation of parents in regular, two-way and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities." Learn about school programming your school implemented stemming from NCLB.
Communication is a key element in successful relationships between parents and schools. According to Joyce Epstein, Ph.D., expert on school and family partnerships, communication is one of six elements of parental involvement with schools. She says, "Design effective forms of school-to-home and home-to-school communications about school programs and children's progress." Parents must maintain consistent verbal and written contact with schools.
All schools have governing bodies such as Parent Teacher Associations, school boards or other committees charged with developing school policies. Parents can serve as leaders or attend these meetings to participate in school programming, fundraising or budgetary decisions. This offers a venue for parents to have a voice in decisions that directly impact their school, community and families.
Reductions in school budgets mean less staff and fewer programs. There are numerous opportunities for parents to volunteer at schools. Classroom activities, fundraising, programming and parent recruitment are examples of areas where parents' talents and support can be invaluable. Teachers may discourage parental direct participation in the classroom because it can be disruptive. Consult the appropriate school staff to learn the best place to volunteer.
Educators agree that parental involvement is a critical ingredient in a child's academic success at school. The amount and quality of time parents spend with their children at home in terms of providing a learning environment and support of academic achievement is crucial. It ultimately impacts the student's ongoing progress at school. Parents can find any needed guidance in these areas by working with the appropriate school staff.