Important facts and reasons that parents need to be involved in their child's education.

1. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN LOW
INCOME AREAS BY: SUBRICCA HART & KE’CHAUNDRA PORTIER

2. PARTNERS IN EDUCATION (PIE) PROGRAM
The PIE Program was created in Phoenix, AZ by Bonnie McReynolds, a teacher who
believes that “parent involvement will probably make more difference than anything else
we could ever do to help our children learn”.
McReynolds considers parents to be equal partners and provides ways that they can become
involved –
5 PIECES OF THE PIE
 Decision Making – parents should set goals for their children and even the teacher
 Supporting - parents should assist and promote work within the classroom
 Teaching - parents are teachers too, by setting homework times, reading with a child, checking
homework, talking about what’s being done in class, and staying involved with their child
 Learning – parents should remain active in finding out what is being taught and ways they can
continuously show how much they care
 Communicating - parents communicate with teachers through conferences and newsletters
informing them of all their child is learning

3. WHY SOME PARENTS REFUSE TO BE INVOLVED
Educators must understand the barriers that interfere with some parents partaking in their child’s
education and not just theorize the lack of absence to be a sign of not caring. Some administrators
and educators even refer to parents lacking involvement as “those other parents”. It is necessary to
realize there may be reasons outside of the “the institutional perspective” and not just the usual
focus on what families are lacking in their homes.
Views on “the other parents” and their voices
 Diverse school experiences among parents: Several parents have allowed their own individual school
backgrounds to develop issues of not being involved in their child’s education, for instance some parents who
dropped out of school feel insecure and lack confidence in school environments.
 Diverse economic and time constraints: Some parents encounter obstacles with demanding jobs and work time
conflicts (such as night shifts) which takes away from their flexibility. Others have financial issues which leave
many frustrated because their child can’t have full share or belong in the culture of the school like other students.
 Diverse linguistic and cultural practices: It has been observed that cultural mismatches transpire just as
frequently as conflicts of linguistics. Some parents who speak English as a second language have admitted to
feeling unequal in school contexts.
Teachers must develop a trusting bond with parents, clarify ways they can volunteer, and encourage
them to be more assertive. By doing this will keep them motivated and involved in their child’s
education.

4. FACTS ON PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
IMPACT
 The effects of succeeding are more
powerful when a parent becomes
involved during the earlier years of a
child’s education.
 86% of the general public believes
parental support is the greatest way to
refine the schools.
 Part of student achievement is based on
the expectations and involvement of
parents.
 Parents who are intensely involved
creates achievement with more
beneficial effects.
When parents regularly participate at school, it
reinforces in a child’s mind how home and
school are connected and an integral part of
the whole family’s life.
Characteristics to follow:
 Establish a daily family routine
 Monitor out-of- school activities
 Model the value of learning, self-
discipline, and hard work
 Express high but realistic expectations for
achievement
 Encourage children's
development/progress at school
 Encourage reading, writing, and
discussions among family members.

5. REFERENCES
Finders, M. & Lewis, C. (2002). Why some parents don’t come to school. Educational Leadership, 50-
54.
Hebron, M.S. (n.d.). Parental involvement facts. Retrieved June 20, 2013, from
www.bullittschools.org/HebronMS/wp.../Parental-Involvement-Facts.doc...
Hopkings, G. (2004). Parental involvement is easy as pie. Retrieved from
www.educationworld.com/a_curr/curr030.shtml.