Chapter 3: Families and Communities

Effective, positive, and encouraging partnerships between teachers and parents or guardians can improve the learning of students by creating a greater interest in for the students.  Parents and teachers often have differing opinions on the level of education taught in the classroom, and through communication, conferences, and parent involvement parents and teachers work together to provide the best education for the students.  Open lines of communication between parents and teachers, communication beyond the annual parent-teacher conference, encourages more parent involvement in the classroom.  When students see their parents taking an interest in their learning, they become more engaged in their own learning and benefit greatly from this.  Studies have shown that "Family involvement is related to better grades, higher test scores, better attendance, and fewer behavioral problems" (qtd. in Hall 120). By having a better understanding of what is going on in their child's classroom, parents are able to effectively assist their child with homework, study habits, participation, and overall engagement with learning.