The report on the 66 studies found many benefits of interaction between home and school, including higher grades, test scores and graduation rates. Students who have parents that are involved in school also attend classes more regularly, do more homework, and have more positive behavior and fewer placements in special education.
Parents wishing to improve their connection to their child's school have many avenues for involvement. They can help their students with homework, contact teachers about assignments or their child's progress, read with their child, or take advantage of family programs offered through schools.
In January 1998, the ASCD, an educational leadership organization, published Karen Rasmussen's article "Making Parent Involvement Meaningful" in its Education Update suggesting a variety of programs for parents. Examples of successful programs included family nights which focus on different education topics; parent-student breakfasts; a school improvement council with parent, administrator, teacher and student members; an early morning reading program and parent surveys.