A study entitled ‘A New Wave of Evidence: The Impact of School, Family, and Community Connections on Student Achievement’ concluded that “when schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.” So with Father’s Day approaching, I thought I’d explore how a dad specifically can make a difference in furthering their child’s education.
Education.com defines the roles of a father by the 5 P's -- problem-solver, playmate, principled guide, provider, and preparer. All of these are important and surely not the end of the list, but 'preparer' is the role that references education. The description reads, “Fathers often see themselves as someone involved in preparing their children for life's challenges… fathers may advise their teenagers about educational and employment goals… They may guide their child about how to behave in school and work to ensure their child's success in those areas.” As you can see, a dad's guiding hand in a child's education shapes their educational and career path; a father's influence can help lead to a child's future achievements.
As for examples of ways to get involved, a national survey revealed that the top ways parents currently participate is by attending school meetings, such as parent-teacher conferences, and fundraising. Several articles also pointed out that parent involvement decreases as a child ages, leading to a lack of involvement while the youth attends high school. But involvement is important at all levels of development. The Center for Public Education reveals, “Teachers, parents, and students have little understanding of each other’s interests in children and schools…Most teachers do not know the goals that parents have for their children, how parents help them learn, or how parents would like to be involved. Most parents do not know much about the educational programs in their children’s school or what teachers require of them.” If fathers, mothers, and teachers work to be on the same page and communicate openly, the student will benefit from it.
So dads, keep on sparking your child’s curiosity at home (by reading a story aloud or provoking a fun debate for example), setting realistic expectations for them to strive for, and encouraging them. You have a very special opportunity to make a difference in your child's education and therefore the rest of their life. Happy Father’s Day!
-Samantha Phillips
Please comment here to share how your dad has helped you with school or any other thoughts this post brought to mind!
Education.com defines the roles of a father by the 5 P's -- problem-solver, playmate, principled guide, provider, and preparer. All of these are important and surely not the end of the list, but 'preparer' is the role that references education. The description reads, “Fathers often see themselves as someone involved in preparing their children for life's challenges… fathers may advise their teenagers about educational and employment goals… They may guide their child about how to behave in school and work to ensure their child's success in those areas.” As you can see, a dad's guiding hand in a child's education shapes their educational and career path; a father's influence can help lead to a child's future achievements.
As for examples of ways to get involved, a national survey revealed that the top ways parents currently participate is by attending school meetings, such as parent-teacher conferences, and fundraising. Several articles also pointed out that parent involvement decreases as a child ages, leading to a lack of involvement while the youth attends high school. But involvement is important at all levels of development. The Center for Public Education reveals, “Teachers, parents, and students have little understanding of each other’s interests in children and schools…Most teachers do not know the goals that parents have for their children, how parents help them learn, or how parents would like to be involved. Most parents do not know much about the educational programs in their children’s school or what teachers require of them.” If fathers, mothers, and teachers work to be on the same page and communicate openly, the student will benefit from it.
So dads, keep on sparking your child’s curiosity at home (by reading a story aloud or provoking a fun debate for example), setting realistic expectations for them to strive for, and encouraging them. You have a very special opportunity to make a difference in your child's education and therefore the rest of their life. Happy Father’s Day!
-Samantha Phillips
Please comment here to share how your dad has helped you with school or any other thoughts this post brought to mind!
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