28 Aug The Home-School Connection
There is a good deal of conversation locally about levies and bond elections to make more money available to public schools. Radio and TV ads bemoan Idaho’s standing as “last” in money expended per student, suggesting that this is an accurate indicator of the value of that education. Perhaps it is worthwhile considering another predictor or education value—parental involvement.
A number of years ago a friend and I were discussing a school levy where we lived in coastal California. He considered it a “no-brainer”: we have to increase the amount of money expended per child in order to offer a quality education. As a school teacher and mid-level administrator he was very sensitive to this topic. (As a tax payer with five children in the public schools I had my sensitivities as well.) He said, “Isn’t it obvious that nothing is more important? How can you have a heart and not want to spend more on children’s education?”
I was skeptical, by pointing out that there is not a direct correlation between the money expended per student and the performance of those students. At that time, Utah was at the top in terms of performance, while in the bottom five in money spent. My friend quickly rebutted, “But you can’t look at Utah because everyone knows those parents are more involved in their children’s.”
He explained the he assumed that LDS families are more involved than other parents. While I do not know that to be true, it did raise as great point: Being involved may be the best, and most effective, way of assuring your child’s success in school.
It is true that Idaho consistently comes up at the bottom of the list in expenditures. We tightwads only spent about $8,000 per pupil in 2012, compared with $16,000 or more in several other states, including Wyoming (our apparent arch nemesis). But in terms of ACT scores (a standard measure of college readiness) Idaho came in at number 26 nationally—right in the middle of the pack—while Wyoming came in at number 39.
A quick scan of online data can easily show that money spent is not a very good predictor of readiness for college. In fact, the cheapest education of all consistently shows to be the most effective, at least in terms of academic measures.
According to a 2010 Journal of College Admission report homeschool students enjoy higher ACT scores, grade point averages and graduation rates compared with other college students. Given the obvious fact that this is the venue in which parents are most directly involved in their students’ education, it is another positive endorsement for the power of parental involvement.
Of course homeschooling is not for everyone. But parents can, and must, be involved in their own children’s education in order to hope for the best results. Here are a few ways you can make a difference for your students.
1. Volunteer in the classroom.
Ruth, my wife, was very active as a volunteer in the schools of each of our children. While her availability varied with young ones at home and other circumstances, her presence assured that both the child and the teacher kept her in the loop. There were no big surprises in learning or performance gaps, and she learned effective ways of supporting learning at home.
There were big social benefits to being in the school as well. Who else can claim to be Zach Efron’s fifth-grade home room mom?
2. Set a pleasant, supportive homework routine.
A bit of experimentation can help your family determine a routine that best helps your kids to get get work done. Many benefit from a short snack and cool-down time after getting off the bus, then sitting at the table while parents prepare dinner. This time can be a pleasant way of being available while setting aside distractions like TV and video games. Mom is readily available while both do their homework, of sorts.
3. Read, read, read.
Research has long demonstrated that parents who read to their children, and children who read recreationally, contribute greatly to academic interest and success later. Patience is developed, along with reading and attention skills. And reading together is a great way to build bonds that last a lifetime.
While considering how much to money to invest in your child’s education, don’t forget to consider investing your time and attention.