Position Statement - PARENT/FAMILY INVOLVEMENT

Parent involvement* is the participation of parents in every facet of the education and development of children from birth to adulthood. Parent Involvement takes many forms including parents as first educators, as decision makers about children’s education, health, and well being, as well as advocates for children’s success. It is recognized that parents are the primary influence in their children's lives

Family’s Contributions

The National PTA recognizes the research which demonstrates when parents are involved, students achieve more, regardless of socio-economic status,ethnic/racial background, or the parents' education level. The most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which that student's family is able to:

create a home environment that encourages learning and nurtures their child’s physical, mental, social and spiritual education
communicate high, yet reasonable, expectations for their children's achievement and future careers
develop knowledge of how their child functions in the school environment by becoming involved in their children's education at school and in the community.

This involvement is essential for the positive emotional and social development, cultural growth and academic achievement of every child.

School’s Contributions

Parent involvement programs should match the needs of the school, students, parents and the community. Goal 8 of the National Education Goals states, "Every school will promote partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of children “. Schools and other programs will:

design comprehensive strategies to bring together all of the stakeholders by building partnerships among all of the major groups in the school community
share accurate information about the school’s goals, programs and policies in languages that are accessible to all partners
know, interact with, and involve stakeholders in all stages of program planning, design and implementation.

School/Family/Community Partnerships

Truly comprehensive programs result in effective schools that will:

ensure that communication between home and school is regular, two way, and meaningful
promote and support parenting skills
allow parents to play an integral role in assisting student learning
welcome parents in the school and seek their support and assistance
ensure parents are full partners in the decisions affecting children and families
encourage collaboration with the community.

Organization’s Contributions

The task of connecting families and schools is both formidable and attainable. Affirming the significance of parent and family involvement has been a priority of the National PTA since its founding in 1897. PTA must function as an independent, non-partisan, child advocacy group that reflects the community’s collaborative aspirations for all children. In order to protect educational, health and well being of all children PTA has a responsibility to:

advocate for and support legislation that promotes meaningful parent involvement
assure access to an equitable and quality education for all children
ensure that children have the support necessary in the home, school and in the community
seek information on policies, curriculum and laws that affect children
share accurate information about educational goals, programs and progress with parents and the public
know, support, and interact with students, teachers, administrators, and community
be willing to accept responsibilities for the vitality of the PTA to assure an active PTA
work within the PTA and the school in a constructive manner with respect for democratic procedures and a tolerance for a diversity of opinion
participate in decisions affecting school goals, policies, programs, curriculum materials, rules and regulations
increase opportunities for the development of parenting skills and promote training to develop child advocates

*National PTA recognizes that other adults may carry the primary responsibility for a child’s education, development and well-being. Therefore, all references to "parent” involvement include any primary care giver or adults who play an important role in a child’s family life.