Extension

Image 1. Parents and caregivers who stay involved in their children’s education can help improve academic performance, attendance and overall school success. (Photo by Adobe Stock Images)

A new school year brings fresh opportunities for students to learn, grow and succeed. New teachers, classmates and routines all offer a chance for a strong start. While teachers play a critical role in the classroom, parents remain one of the strongest influences on a child’s academic success.

Parental involvement is one of the best ways to improve attendance, academic performance and long-term success, said Ron Cox, Oklahoma State University Extension marriage and family life specialist.

“Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers,” Cox said. “Simple, consistent involvement at home and at school sends the message that education matters.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the country have experienced an increase in chronic absenteeism. In Oklahoma, about four out of five students regularly attend, but one in five students is chronically absent, missing 10% or more of the school year. In some districts, absenteeism rates are higher. However, the majority of Oklahoma parents want their child in class every day, and small routines are often the difference.

Regular attendance is essential because every missed day represents valuable learning time that cannot easily be replaced. Students who frequently miss school often struggle to keep up with classroom instruction, complete assignments and master foundational skills that prepare them for future coursework.

State assessment results show that 25% of Oklahoma students are reading and doing mathematics at their grade level, and parental involvement is one of the clearest, most consistent factors separating students who reach that mark from those who don’t.

“Teachers can’t do it alone,” Cox said. “When parents establish routines, communicate with teachers and stay engaged in their child’s education, students are much more likely to attend school regularly and succeed academically.”

The benefits of education extend far beyond report cards and test scores. Students who complete high school and continue with college, career training or skilled trades have greater earning potential and more opportunities to pursue careers that match their interests and talents.

Fortunately, parents don’t need to spend hours every evening helping with homework to make a meaningful difference. Research and the testimony of thousands of parents have consistently shown that creating a positive learning environment at home, setting high but realistic expectations and staying involved with school activities are among the strongest predictors of student success, regardless of a family’s income or educational background.

You can support your child’s learning by building routines that encourage consistency. A regular bedtime, a healthy breakfast and a predictable morning schedule help children arrive at school rested, prepared and ready to learn. Making school attendance a priority also reinforces the importance of attending every day, unless your child is genuinely ill.

Parents can also strengthen the home/school connection by introducing themselves to teachers early in the school year, attending parent-teacher conferences and staying informed through school communication apps, email or newsletters. Even a brief conversation with a teacher can provide valuable insight into your child’s strengths and areas that may need additional support.

Daily conversations about school also make a difference. Instead of asking, “How was your day?” try questions such as, “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?” or “What challenged you today?” Reviewing homework assignments or checking an online grade portal together helps children stay accountable while giving parents a better understanding of their child’s progress. This week, try asking your child one open-ended question about their day.

Cox also points to research showing that parental involvement benefits students in ways that extend well beyond academics.

“Our research found that involved parents not only support better academic outcomes, but their involvement also helps protect young people from risky behaviors such as alcohol and drug use,” he said. “When families are engaged, everyone benefits.”

Research also shows these effects extend beyond individual families. When a critical mass of parents volunteer, attend school events and support teachers, the entire school culture shifts, benefiting even students whose own parents aren’t as involved. In schools with high parental engagement, all students are more likely to feel connected to their school community, which can improve both attendance and overall well-being.

The beginning of a new school year is the perfect time to establish habits that will last throughout the months ahead. Small, consistent actions – reading together, talking about school, attending school events and encouraging regular attendance – can have a lasting impact on a child’s education and future.

“Every parent has the ability to influence their child’s success,” Cox said. “When families and schools work together, students are more likely to reach their full potential."

By building a strong partnership between home and school, parents can help give Oklahoma students the support, encouragement and confidence they need to succeed this school year and for years to come.