Policy Monographs
Beyond the Classroom : how parents influence their children's education
Parents are crucial to the academic success of their children. The report, Beyond the Classroom: How Parents Influence Their Children’s Education, argues that factors ranging from parents’ educational background and income to their involvement in school activities have a lasting effect on their child’s performance at school.
Author Alison Rich points out that amongst these factors, the vital difference between children who succeed academically and those who don’t is the level of parental interest in their education.
‘Maintaining an interest in a child’s education is a simple act that can have outstanding effects on the child’s educational experience,’ says author Alison Rich.
‘A cognitively stimulating home need not be one that is rich in material resources. Parents can simply discuss issues of importance with their children, talk to them about what they are doing in school, or spend time doing activities that will develop their skills and abilities.’
In addition, Ms Rich challenges schools to take on some responsibility in educating parents about their capacity for influence, by employing measures such as:
- Distributing literature to parents which outlines what they can do to encourage the learning of their child.
- Encouraging maximum participation in school activities by keeping parents informed of events in which they are welcome to participate.
- Paying particular attention to accurate, detailed end-of-term of end-of-year progress reports that gives parents a picture of their child’s school life and achievements.
‘To provide the best possible education for all children, regardless of their background or school, parents need to be involved,’ she says.
‘Schooling reforms will be incomplete if the influence of parents is not acknowledged.’
