Chapter 3: Families and Communities

Gene E. Hall, Linda F. Quinn, and Donna M. Gollnick mention in their book The Joy of Teaching, that it is important that teachers and parents communicate (2008, p. 113 - p. 120). Both parents and teachers agree that parents need to be more involved in their child's education (Hall et al., 2008, p. 113). Studies have proven that when parents are involved in their child's education, students tend to get "higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates; better school attendance, increased motivation, better self-esteem; lower rates of suspension; decreased use of drugs and alcohol; fewer instances of violent behavior; and greater enrollment in postsecondary education" (Hall et al., 2008, p. 113). Even teachers benefit from parent involvement (Hall et al., 2008, p. 113). Teachers' morals are increased as well as teachers' effectiveness (Hall et al., 2008, p. 113). Granted contacting parents and parents communicating back is a two way street (Hall et al., 2008, p. 116). It can be difficult for teachers to find the time to contact every student's parent, but setting "aside 10 minutes a day to telephone, e-mail, or sent postcards to parents" enables teachers to contact a family at least twice in one month (Hall et al., 2008, p. 116). Finding ways that parents can get involved in a classroom can also pose some difficulties (Hall et al., 2008, p. 118). However, there are a couple of ways in which parents can get involved in the classroom (Hall et al., 2008, p. 118 - p. 119). There are the famous parent-teacher conferences in which parents and teachers can both ask questions in order to help the student (Hall et al., 2008, p. 118). Also, parents can volunteer in the classroom on a regular basis (Hall et al., 2008, p. 119). Teachers must provide a specific task for these volunteers so that they feel needed and valued (Hall et al., 2008, p. 119). Parent involvement can help everyone and should be encouraged.