Educational studies reveal that students benefit significantly when parents play an active role in their education. From better grades to improved attendance and emotional growth, students thrive when parents are consistently involved. Here’s a deep dive into the data-driven reasons why parent engagement matters—and how schools, with the support of tools like Alma, can foster these valuable connections.
Creating a Positive Learning Environment at Home
Research indicates that when parents are engaged in their child’s learning, they help create a supportive, learning-focused home environment. The National Center for Family & Community Connections with Schools found that students with engaged families tend to achieve higher grades and test scores, as the alignment between home and school bolsters positive attitudes toward learning .
Improved Academic Performance
Numerous studies link parent engagement with academic gains. The National Education Association (NEA) reports that students whose parents participate in their education are more likely to complete assignments, leading to better grades and test scores. A broad meta-analysis also found that engaged parents positively impact their child’s motivation, often leading students to pursue higher education goals .
Boosted Attendance and Participation
Student attendance is another key area positively affected by parent engagement. The Attendance Works organization points to the correlation between engaged parents and reduced absenteeism. Students with involved parents attend school more consistently, as parents understand the direct impact attendance has on achievement. Schools with high parental engagement often see better attendance rates and more student participation in extracurriculars .
Enhanced Social and Emotional Development
A strong parent-school connection also supports students’ social and emotional well-being. The Harvard Family Research Project found that engaged parents often model constructive behaviors, helping children develop resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills. This emotional scaffolding prepares students to handle academic and social challenges with confidence, leading to healthier, well-rounded growth .
Strengthened Communication Between School and Home
Schools that prioritize parent engagement establish reliable, effective communication channels, fostering a supportive network. Research from Johns Hopkins University shows that schools with robust parent-teacher communication see better student outcomes. Alma’s built-in parent messaging tools facilitate this connection, keeping parents in the loop on assignments, events, and academic progress. The Annenberg Institute at Brown University notes that such accessible systems reduce communication barriers, allowing parents to engage consistently without complex processes .
How does Alma enhance parent engagement?
As the research shows, meaningful parent engagement can greatly impact student success. Alma’s transformative SIS is designed to make this engagement simpler and more effective. Alma’s communication tools empower schools to keep parents informed in real time, from sharing assignment updates to facilitating one-on-one conversations with teachers. Parents can engage directly, using Alma’s intuitive platform to stay involved with their child’s academic journey.
Alma also supports schools in organizing events, setting up workshops, and sharing resources to help parents feel equipped to contribute to their child’s success. Whether it’s through easy-to-navigate portals or streamlined messaging, Alma brings schools and families together in a partnership that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth.
The benefits of parent engagement are well-documented, and with the right tools, schools can make it a cornerstone of student success. Alma provides the communication and organizational support schools need to build strong family partnerships, empowering parents to play an active, meaningful role in education. When schools and parents unite, students benefit from a solid foundation that supports learning, well-being, and a brighter future.
