The most accurate predictor of a child’s achievement at in school is not social status or the income level but the extent to which the student’s family gets involved in their children’s education in school and in the community, says research. But a 2007 report by the Department of Education discusses how parents shirk their responsibility. 20% of parents skip parent-teacher conferences. Solutions proposed by various people vary between jailing the negligent caregivers and making the school environment more welcoming for parents. This phenomenon is prominent in low-income areas.  

The Benefits Of Parents' Involvement

Many studies in the past show that effectively planned parent involvement activities that are properly implemented result in substantial benefits for kids, parents, educators and the school. Parental involvement in their child’s academic career ensures higher grades and relatively more success for kids.

Kids whose parents are an active part of their education tend to have a higher self-esteem and, get better grades and achieve higher scores. They are consistent with their homework and are self-discipline and are suspended less for disciplinary issues. Children show a positive attitude towards school and have higher aspirations. Parental involvement in

Teens in junior high and high school make better transition and are less likely to drop out of school when their parents are constantly backing them up.

Is Jailing Parents The Right Solution?

Kym Worthy, a prosecutor from Detroit says he’s tired of arresting children as young as 10 for involvement in violent crimes like robbery and murder. These roots from parental negligence, he says. And the most effective way, according to him, is arresting parents. Parents who are intentionally neglecting their responsibility, skipping parent-teacher conferences and choosing to ignore their child’s problem deserve a night or two in jail, he says.

Worthy’s suggestion takes punishment to an extreme but other suggestions like measured interpretations might work.

We Don’t Think So…

PTA President Charles Saylors suggests making parent-teacher conferences more welcoming and collegial might do the trick. Parents-teacher conferences should be schedules so that parents who have to work multiple jobs are able to attend them, he says. He gives extreme suggestions like going to a student’s home. Another approach is to be respectful and considerate of student’s situations.

 Another program functional in St. Louis actually pays parents to attend parent-teacher conferences and make sure whether their kid is regular at school or not.