The document discusses the importance of family involvement in education. Research shows that children are more likely to succeed in school and less likely to engage in risky behaviors when their families are involved in their education. Effective family engagement occurs across multiple settings, including at home, in early education programs, in schools, and in afterschool programs. Statistics show that students with involved families get better grades and are less likely to repeat grades or be suspended. Family involvement benefits students in both their academic performance and future success. The document provides recommendations for schools to promote family involvement, such as creating a welcoming environment, setting student goals jointly with families, and initiating volunteer programs.

1. Research on Family InvolvementWhy is family involvement so important?What are the challenges?By: Misti MorrisonCI 5836/20/2010Dr. LaPrarie

2. Parent Involvement Improves education Research shows that children are more likely to succeed and are less likely to engage in destructive behavior if their families are involved in their education.

3. Parent Involvement Improves EducationEffective family engagement is carried out in the multiple settings where children learn—at home, in pre-kindergarten programs, in school, in afterschool programs, in faith-based institutions, and in community programs. Statistics About Parent InvolvementMore than 9 out of 10 students who mostly get A’s & B’s said they are encouraged by their parents to do well in school.

4. Teachers say that parents' involvement in education needs to be the number one priority.

5. Students are half as likely (7 percent to 15 percent) to have ever repeated a grade and are significantly less likely to have ever been suspended or expelled (10 to 18 percent) if their fathers have high involvement in their schools.Involvement Improves More Than Just GradesReams of research show that parental involvement in children's education improves their chances of success in both school and life.

6. In the early years…Parents’ presence at the school, whether in classrooms or at other activities, reinforces children’s sense of school as a welcoming environment and facilitates their ability to see learning as a continuous process, not just something that takes place within the school walls away from their homes.

7. Middle / High School Years…Effective family engagement during adolescence differs from the types of involvement parents find successful during earlier years, and these changes reflect adolescents’ changing developmental needs. Family Involvement and Student AchievementPredictors of student achievementNot income or social status, but the extent to which that student’s family is able to: Create a home environment that encourages learning

8. Express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children’s achievement and future careers

9. Become involved in their children’s education at school and in the communityBenefits of being parents being involved in education: Higher grades and test scores;

10. Better attitudes and behavior;

11. Better school attendance;

12. More homework completed;

13. Less chance of placement in special education;