Research shows that family engagement has a clear positive impact on many aspects of student achievement, including lower drop-out rates. Parental involvement has been associated with positive change in learning outcomes. A high level of parental support can sometimes even compensate for a disadvantaged socio-economic background.
Family engagement has three broad aspects:
- partnerships between schools, families and communities;
- raising awareness of the importance of parental engagement in a child's education; and
- providing parents with the skills that are necessary to enable them to become involved
When it comes to parental engagement, both school-based and home-based activities should be taken into consideration: parental expectations and support of the child’s learning are essential as well as a school climate that values parental input.