Parental participation has long been recognized as a positive factor in
children's education. Research consistently shows that parents'
contributions to their children's education lead to improvements in
their academic and behavioral outcomes, from elementary through middle
and secondary school. Recognizing the critical role of school
psychologists in this equation, Parental Involvement in Childhood
Education clearly sets out an evidence-based rationale and blueprint
for building parental involvement and faculty awareness.
The author's starting point is the gap between the ideals found in the
literature and the reality of parental involvement in schools. An
ecological analysis identifies professional, institutional, and societal
factors that keep schools and parents distant. Methods for evaluating
parental involvement are detailed, as is a model for developing and
maintaining strong parental relationships at the instructor, school, and
education system level, with an emphasis on flexible communication and
greater understanding of parents' needs. This empirically sound coverage
offers readers:
- A detailed understanding of obstacles to parental involvement.
- An evidence-based model for parental participation.
- A three-nation study of parental involvement practices in schools.
- Guidelines for implementing parental involvement activities and
initiatives.
- A review of effective communication strategies with parents.
- Analysis of key interpersonal skills for effective work with parents.
Parental Involvement in Childhood Education is essential reading for
practitioners and researchers in school psychology and counseling,
social work, and educational psychology, whether they work directly with
schools or in providing training for teachers and other professionals
who work with children and their parents.
