Stop Blaming The Schools: Parental Involvement Is More Important For A Child’s Education

teachersYou know all those conversations we have in the media and in politics about how schools are failing our children and teachers need to be evaluated more harshly? You know how parents are spending thousands upon thousands of dollars to ensure that their children have the very best education money can buy, so that they’ll hopefully grow up to be successful, self-sufficient members of society? You know how public schools get horrible reputations for single, isolated incidents that are hyped by the media to make us all irate about the state of education in this country? Well I hope all of the people who feel so passionately about schools and their performance sit down and really think about this new study. Because it shows that parental involvement is more important in determining a child’s success than the quality of the school he or she attends.

Especially in the current political climate, teachers have been the enemy of the public. Their unions have been painted as harmful to students, even when they’re fighting for classroom conditions that benefit kids. Their pay and their actions have been scrutinized and critiqued by plenty of people who do not have college degrees in educating children. Their accomplishments have been marginalized and brushed aside. Teachers of have been under attack.

So I cannot help but to get excited when proof comes out showing that parents are the most important part of the education equation. The blame cannot rest solely on those toiling away in our public schools. If your child is struggling in school, it’s possible that you need to be the one to step up and get involved in any way you can.

What’s more than that, when people complain about the rising cost of private schools, I think we should all be pointing out that their luxury education isn’t worth as much as a parent simply giving their time and energy. We don’t have spend thousands a year. We need to pay attention. We need to get involved. If you don’t believe me, listen to the experts.

“Our study shows that parents need to be aware of how important they are, and invest time in their children ”” checking homework, attending school events and letting  kids know school is important,” study researcher Toby Parcel, of North Carolina State University, said in a statement. “That’s where the payoff is.”

I am not saying that schools and teachers don’t matter. That would be more than a little ridiculous. Of course they do. But parents matter more, and we should remember that next time we’re criticizing the educational system. We should think about that when we’re debating whether $8,000 a year tuition in elementary school is worth it. More than anything, being involved in your own child’s learning is what will really make the difference.

(Photo: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock)

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