Research is clear that when schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but throughout life. In fact, 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; express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children's achievement and future careers; and become involved in their children's education at school and in the community.
Your involvement in your child's education is everything from reading together and talking about learning at home, to volunteering in your child's classroom, to serving on a school improvement team. For your children, the benefits include increased learning and self-confidence. For their teachers, the benefits include improved morale and classroom support. For you as parents, you can gain a better understanding of your child's school experience and a closer parent-child bond. There are many ways to get - and stay - involved in the education of your children.
Schools are required to include parent involvement as a part of their School Improvement Plans so it is important for parents to find out how schools are reaching out to them. To learn more about involvement, visit the NC Department of Public Instruction’s Parent Involvement website.