Family engagement is one of the most critical factors in shaping a student’s educational achievement and overall well-being. It is the extent to which parents and caregivers actively participate in their children’s education and school activities. When families and schools work together, students tend to perform better academically, have better attendance rates, and experience fewer behavioral problems. In this article, we will explore the impact of family engagement on student achievement and well-being and provide tips for parents and caregivers on how to become more engaged in their children’s education.
What is family engagement?
Family engagement is the collaborative effort between families and schools to support a child’s learning and development. This collaboration involves sharing responsibility for the child’s education and well-being. Family engagement goes beyond a parent-teacher conference or a school event. It is an ongoing process that requires consistent communication and active involvement from both parties.
There are different forms of family engagement. These include:
- Parenting: This involves providing a nurturing and supportive home environment that promotes learning.
- Communicating: This involves ongoing communication between families and schools about the child’s progress and needs.
- Volunteering: This involves actively participating in school activities and events.
- Learning at home: This involves supporting the child’s learning at home by providing educational resources and opportunities.
- Decision-making: This involves participating in school decision-making processes that affect the child’s education.
The impact of family engagement on student achievement
Research has consistently shown that family engagement is positively associated with student achievement. Students whose families are involved in their education tend to perform better academically and have higher graduation rates. They also have better attendance rates and experience fewer disciplinary problems.
Studies have also shown that the impact of family engagement on student achievement is particularly significant for students from low-income families and minority backgrounds. These students are more likely to experience academic difficulties and dropout of school. However, when their families are involved in their education, they tend to perform better academically and have higher graduation rates than their peers.
The impact of family engagement on student achievement is not limited to academic outcomes. It also extends to non-academic outcomes such as social-emotional development and career readiness. Students whose families are involved in their education tend to have higher self-esteem, better social skills, and a greater sense of purpose.
The impact of family engagement on student well-being
Family engagement also has a significant impact on student well-being. Students whose families are involved in their education tend to have better mental health and fewer behavioral problems. They are also less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse and delinquency.
Studies have also shown that family engagement can help to reduce the achievement gap between students from different socio-economic backgrounds. When families are involved in their children’s education, they tend to have higher expectations for their children’s academic success, which can motivate them to perform better academically.
Tips for parents and caregivers on how to become more engaged in their children’s education
There are several ways that parents and caregivers can become more engaged in their children’s education. These include:
- Attend parent-teacher conferences and school events: These are opportunities to meet with teachers and learn more about your child’s progress and needs.
- Communicate regularly with teachers: Regular communication with teachers can help you stay informed about your child’s progress and any issues that may arise.
- Volunteer at school: Volunteering at school can help you become more familiar with the school environment and build relationships with teachers and other parents.
- Create a supportive home environment: Create a home environment that promotes learning by providing educational resources and opportunities for your child.
- Establish routines and expectations: Establish routines and expectations for your child’s education and communicate them to your child and their teachers.
- Encourage your child’s interests: Encourage your child’s interests and provide opportunities for them to explore their passions.
- Advocate for your child: If you have concerns about your child’s education, advocate for them by speaking with their teachers or school administrators.
Family engagement is not only beneficial for the student but also for the school and community. When families are engaged in their child’s education, schools can build stronger relationships with their students’ families and gain a better understanding of their students’ needs. This can lead to the development of more effective school policies and practices that meet the needs of all students.
Family engagement can also help to strengthen communities. When families are involved in their child’s education, they become more invested in their community and are more likely to take an active role in community activities and events. This can lead to a stronger sense of community and a more vibrant and thriving local area.
