Why is parental engagement important in a student’s education?

Positive impact on academic achievement

One of the most evident benefits of parental engagement in a student's education lies in its positive impact on academic achievement.

And research consistently proves this. Most recently, research from the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter shows us that when parents get involved in their child's education, it can make a big difference, no matter how old the child is or their socio-economic status.

The study, supported by the Education Endowment Foundation and the National Institute for Health Research, found that it's not just about parents helping with homework or talking to teachers – though those things are great. Even small things, like schools sending messages about how a child is doing through texts, can make a big impact.

For younger students, doing activities that involve the whole family, like reading together, can also help them learn. And for older students, especially those whose families might have a harder time, reading programs over the summer can make a difference.

The researchers looked at lots of studies from around the world and talked to over 180 schools in England. They found that most schools didn't have a set plan for getting parents involved, but almost everyone agreed that it's something everyone who works at the school should care about.

Dr. Nick Axford, who led the study, says that schools don't have to do just one thing to get parents involved – there are different ways that can work. But he suggests that schools should think about it and plan for it, like including it in their plans to make the school better. He also says that teachers might need some help learning how to talk to parents in a way that makes them feel involved.

Dr. Vashti Berry and Dr. Jenny Lloyd from the research team agree that whilst school funding is limited, there are numerous resources and parent engagement platforms that can help schools do better with parents.

So, the bottom line is, when parents and schools team up, it helps children and young people do better in school. Even if it takes a bit of time and planning, the researchers say it's worth it!

The full study, entitled How can schools support parents’ engagement in their children’s learning? Evidence from research and practice is available to view on the EEF website. 

Parental engagement can improve attendance

Parental engagement isn't just about what happens during school hours; it can significantly impact a child's attendance and overall school experience. When parents actively participate in their child's education, it often translates into improved attendance rates.

In recent times, school attendance has faced unprecedented challenges, with the percentage of students persistently missing school significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. According to the Department for Education (DfE, 2023), the figure rose from 10.9% in 2018/19 to a concerning 22.5% in the 2021/22 academic year and has continued to rise.

Ofsted's (2022) findings reveal that a fifth of inspected schools were experiencing more attendance issues than usual in the Autumn of 2021. Factors such as post-pandemic social anxiety and families struggling to move on from the 'bubble-isolation mentality' contribute to this attendance struggle.

Recognising the potential of parental engagement, ImpactEd's Understanding Attendance project sought to explore its role in a child's learning and education. Previous studies (Goodall, 2017; McConnell and Kubina, 2014) suggest a positive link between increased engagement among parents and carers, better school attendance, improved academic achievement, and more positive classroom behavior.

Effective communication with parents regarding attendance, along with targeted interventions, has proven successful in improving attendance rates. For instance, well-designed text message communications have had particularly positive effects on engaging fathers (Hurwitz et al., 2015).

Given the rising attendance challenges, it is crucial for schools to understand attendance data in their context and analyse it to spot trends of poor attendance early.

Parental engagement can lead to stronger study habits

Parental engagement can contribute to the development of stronger study habits in students, and there is research to support this connection. Here are some key ways that parent engagement can lead to stronger study habits:

• Setting a positive example. Parents who set high expectations for their children's academic achievement and are actively engaged in learning activities can positively influence their children's academic motivation and study habits.
• Providing a supportive environment. A supportive home environment, including a quiet and organised study space, positively influences students' study habits.
• Establishing consistent routines. Research conducted by Epstein and Van Voorhis (2001) emphasises the importance of consistent family routines, including regular study times. Such routines contribute to the development of effective study habits in students.
• Encouraging a growth mindset. Parents who encourage a growth mindset, praising effort rather than innate ability, contribute to the development of resilience and a positive attitude toward learning in children.
• Effective communication. Numerous studies emphasise the importance of effective communication between parents and children about academic expectations and progress.
• Providing resources and learning materials. Parents who provide learning materials and resources at home positively influence their children's academic success and study habits.

Numerous studies highlight the positive impact of parental engagement on students' academic achievement and study habits. By creating a supportive environment, setting expectations, establishing consistent routines, and actively participating in learning activities, parents can significantly contribute to the development of effective study habits in their children.

Parental engagement leads to better behaviour and discipline

Parental involvement is a fundamental influence on a child's behavior and development, encompassing various aspects such as:

• Rule-setting
• Emotional support
• Role modeling
• Activity supervision
• Active participation in education and extracurriculars

Parents who establish clear rules and expectations provide structure, while emotional support fosters healthy psychological development.

As a school or MAT, you should seek to adopt technologies that help to further solidify these key aims. By keeping parents informed on what’s happening in school via simple communication tools like email, SMS and social media, you are encouraging parents to actively participate in extra-curricular activities and initiatives.

Parental engagement can make teachers’ lives easier

Streamlining parental engagement not only enhances the teaching and learning experience but also significantly lightens the load for teachers. When parents actively participate in their child's academic journey, educators can design assignments that align with a consistent level of progress, minimising the necessity for additional support and interventions.

Beyond the teaching and learning element, positive parental engagement ensures that parents stay well-informed about crucial dates, upcoming activities, and club details. This, in turn, reduces the burden on teachers, eliminating the constant need to chase responses or search for misplaced paper letters buried at the bottom of students' backpacks.

Incorporating tools like a parents' evening booking system is a game-changer. It allows teachers to concentrate on their core tasks without the added stress of coordinating parental schedules and ensuring everyone is booked in efficiently. Teachers are experts in their subjects, not events planners, after all.

Moreover, the financial strain of lunch money debt can inadvertently affect the classroom dynamic, with administrative staff frequently turning to teachers for reminders about overdue payments. In the midst of an already demanding workload, this can be overwhelming. Implementing a cashless catering system alleviates the hassle of collecting, counting, and reconciling dinner money, offering a much-needed reprieve for both administrative staff and teachers.

Conclusion

Parental engagement is a vital factor in a student's education, offering numerous benefits. Research consistently shows that active parental involvement positively impacts academic achievement. Beyond academics, it improves attendance rates, fosters stronger study habits, and influences positive behavior.

Furthermore, parental engagement makes teachers' lives easier by streamlining communication and reducing administrative burdens. Embracing technology and effective communication tools enhances this collaboration.

In essence, the partnership between parents and schools is a key driver of educational success, contributing to a well-rounded and efficient learning experience for students. If you would like to learn about our Parental Engagement Platform, head to My School Portal, or book a demo.