We're also redeveloping teacher schedules to reflect more balance so that emphasis isn't only on one area of learning. In spite of his concerns, Mr. Hare said his children's school performs above average academically and in the area of parental involvement. I would like to see more African Americans participate. It's essential for the learning environment of the kids. Working together Teachers and school administrators are open to parents once they understand parents want to work with them, Ms. Wiley said.
Research shows kids achieve more when their parents are involved in their education.
A report released last fall by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics, entitled Fathers' Involvement in Their Children's Schools, shows that when fathers get involved in their children's education, the children are more likely to get As. It makes a difference to the child, to the school and to the parent. When parents understand what is expected of their children, and insist and help their children develop responsibility to carry out those expectations, children have higher grades and fewer discipline problems. Unlocking barriers Language barriers make schools inaccessible to some parents. In Montgomery County, Maryland, Ana Brito is working to change that for Hispanic-American parents.