Happy Mothers Day 2010!

On Mothers Day it seems appropriate to write about how important moms (and dads) are to their students success in school. Research from the University of New Hampshire (2008) clearly shows - as does a multitude of other studies -that students do better in school when their parents are actively involved in their childrens education. In this study, Karen Smith Conway and Andrew Houtenville found that parental involvement has a strong, positive effect on student achievement. In other studies, the National Coalition of Parent Involvement in Education (NCPIE) finds that when parents are involved  - students do better in school and in life, parents become more empowered, teacher moral improves, schools improve and communites are strengthened. The Michigan Department of Education also reports that decades of research shows that parental involvement results in students achieving higher grades, better school attendance, increased motivation, and lower rates of discipline issues at school.

Schools across the United States struggle to find ways to effectively engage parents and to partner for the success of students. Charter schools are often perceived to have an advantage when it comes to this area. It seems obvious that parents who actively pursue educational choice for their children would also be more willing to partner and be involved. While I think this may be true - some initial research still points to challenges expressed by charter schools in this area. Additionally, parent involvement seems to often fall along the same cultural lines as the achievement gap - for traditional schools and charter schools.

My thoughts and I welcome yours as well - all schools (traditional or charter) need to continue to find ways to meaningful partner with and recognize our parents. And today, we send out to involved moms everywhere our gratitude and appreciation. Happy Mothers Day!