Therefore, for Massachusetts' children to attain higher achievement levels in mathematics, science and technology, it is essential that parents increase their involvement. Research shows that communities are best rebuilt when the local community assets, skills community coalitions form the foundation of our strategy in the MassPIP project. The Massachusetts Parent Involvement Project , a five-year effort funded by the National Science Foundation and the Massachusetts Department of Education, will increase parent involvement in children's mathematics, science and technology.
All parents can make a difference in the quality of education for their children.
They can work with their children to provide the home-based support to establish high expectations for student achievement. Parents can make strong advocates for better-trained teachers in mathematics, science and technology, as well as for teaching strategies that meet the needs of all learners. However, parents face a number of barriers to being closely involved in the education of their children, including education level, native language, financial constraints, negative experiences with learning institutions, and lack of information or confidence. The project hopes to address these barriers to help parents find ways to support their children and schools. The project places decision making in the hands of Local Community Coalitions.