It is generally confused with community involvement and volunteerism. I want to make the necessary distinction between these concepts. Assisting with school chores such as chaperoning, teaching classes, sprucing up school facilities, serving on committees, lobbying, serving on study groups, and such are activities that reflect a wonderful civic spirit. As worthwhile as these activities are, they are not parent involvement. Theoretically these things can be done by anyone, even hired staff.
Parent involvement is intervention that is unique to parenthood.
Only a parent can work constructively with the teacher to develop a learning plan for the child. Only a parent can enforce the discipline that makes the child receptive to learning. Only a parent can harmonize the child's activities at home to complement the school curriculum. Only a parent can look after the child's health and see that it is properly clothed and supported. Only a parent can manage the interplay of reward, punishment, love, and affection needed to energize the child toward positive outcomes.