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February 13.2025

2 Minutes Read

Parental Engagement: The Key to Closing Learning Gaps

Parental Engagement in Education illustrated with nurturing imagery.

Understanding the Role of Parental Engagement in Education

The recent release of national reading and math scores has sparked concern among educators, revealing a troubling trend: students are performing worse than before the pandemic. A survey conducted by Study.com involving 700 elementary and middle school teachers points to a significant reason behind this decline: parental engagement. Nearly half of the surveyed teachers, 46%, attributed students' academic struggles to families not prioritizing academics at home.

The Benefits of Increased Parental Involvement

A staggering 87% of educators believe that enhancing support for parents can substantially impact student progress. This highlights an essential factor—the partnership between teachers, parents, and caregivers can create a supportive environment for students. Dana Bryson, senior vice president of social impact for Study.com, emphasizes that the goal should not be to blame parents for apathy but to encourage enhanced involvement from all caregivers. Effective strategies to engage families must consider socio-economic disparities that affect participation.

Disparities in Access and Contribution

The disparity in academic outcomes is stark, particularly for socio-economically disadvantaged students. For example, in fourth-grade reading, only 47% of economically disadvantaged students meet basic reading proficiency standards, in contrast to 74% for their higher-income peers. Bryson notes that some families face barriers to engagement, such as language proficiency and access to technology, complicating their involvement in their child's learning journey. This highlights the urgent need for schools to bridge these gaps by facilitating accessible communication and support.

Navigating the Challenges of Parental Engagement

To truly close the learning gaps exacerbated by the pandemic, schools must take proactive steps to foster parental engagement. Creating robust communication strategies, such as regular newsletters and parent-teacher conferences, can enhance the partnership between educators and families. By actively showcasing student achievements and providing opportunities for family participation in educational activities, schools can create an inclusive culture that motivates all parents to contribute positively to their children's education.

Ultimately, the relationship between parental involvement and academic success cannot be overstated. By recognizing the vital role parents play and addressing the barriers they face, educators can collaboratively work towards a more equitable and supportive educational landscape. This partnership will not only benefit individual students but also strengthen the educational community as a whole.

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Parental Engagement: The Key to Closing Learning Gaps

Understanding the Role of Parental Engagement in Education

The Benefits of Increased Parental Involvement

Disparities in Access and Contribution

Navigating the Challenges of Parental Engagement

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