Family-School Initiative Benefits Students

Parental involvement and support can be beneficial for students of all ages, but new research at University of Missouri-Columbia shows that family-school involvement has specific perks for young students.

After surveying more than 3,170 students and 200 teachers, the researchers found a silver lining - both elementary school children and middle school children are less likely to have concentration problems and behavioural issues at the end of a school year if their parents made a greater effort to be engaged with their schooling earlier in the year.

In addition, it was also found that students with engaged parents ended the year with better social skills and were able to focus on tasks easier.

Parents can explore getting involved with their child's schooling in a variety of ways. By helping with homework and keeping in touch with the child's teachersby volunteering at events and joining parent groups.