To what Extent does Parents’ Involvement in Middle School Influence Children's Educational Progress?

Abstract

Parents and teachers are the main two educators in majority of children's life. Parental involvement means not only control children's educational progress but also, participating in school meetings and events, contacting with teachers and helping children at home. Parental involvement is the crucial factor during the school life of children, especially in primary and middle schools. Scientists found that parental involvement can affect children's academic progress, behaviour, language abilities, social skills, and generally perception of life. These days more parents are becoming less engaged in educational process of their children. Despite the fact that most parents want to be involved more, there are a lot of barriers for parental involvement such as parents’ education, lack of time and work commitments, not enough money or families belonging to the lower social classes and big schools with different teachers. All these issues can be solved by parents’ willingness and understandings of importance of their involvement. If parents find that middle schools are less comprehensive and bigger than primary schools they should be given guidance book or leaflets and may be sent letters. However, whether they will find time to read them or not, probably these methods cannot be a good solution for involvement. In addition, if schools can organise some courses or training programmes for parents, this might be the best solutions to guide parents and provide them with vital information. But, this approach may have some difficulties with finance, therefore organising courses will also depend on types of school. After parents building a good relationship with teachers, it may also positively effect on children's education so, they might be motivated to learn and participate in school activities as well.