Cordeiro, Tina

A School and Home Partnership:
Effective Methods to Support Parental Involvement with Homework

Keywords: homework, teachers, parents, parental involvement, parental support

Abstract

The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a family” rings great truth in the education system. Teachers want the support of parents within the home to help students further develop the skills learned in the classroom. Parental involvement with homework has proven to be one of the most effective and convenient methods to provide support.

The purpose of this research is to understand the impact of parental involvement on children’s academic achievement and to uncover effective in-home strategies to support such involvement. Through interviews with two experienced and exemplary educators who base their educational philosophy on a “team approach”, several key findings were uncovered concerning parental involvement with homework.

The findings conclude that it is important to establish and maintain a strong team dynamic between the classroom and the home in order to increase the likelihood of the success of the students. The research also concludes that educators differ on their expectations of parental involvement with schoolwork at home. While some focus on environmental support, others emphasize hands-on academic assistance. Parental responses to homework programs are also important to consider. Overall, the success of a homework program must be soundly rooted in the strategies employed by educators, and most importantly, supported by all involved.

Acknowledgments

To all the exemplary educators who participated in this study and who provided me with the guidance and support to complete my research: a heartfelt thank you for sharing with me your knowledge and experiences. I would also like to thank my research supervisor Jackie Eldridge, who provided me with the guidance and support to complete my research. Your remarkable support was just the right amount.

To my Master of Teaching friends, thank you for your constant support throughout my research. Most importantly, I would like to express sincere gratitude to my family: Mom, Dad, John, and Tia. You have all helped me in ways you will never know. Your endless sacrifice, love, encouragement, and prayers are the fuel behind my passion.