What is Family and Parent Involvement? 

A major factor in student success is an involved support system outside of school. When parents and families are involved in their children’s education, kids do better in school. Parent and family involvement and engagement means efforts by the school district and schools to seek input from family members, and to engage parents, guardians and/or family as partners in their children’s education and in decision-making.

We want parents and family to have the resources they need to ensure their child receives the best possible education.

Staying Engaged and Curious

Children need encouragement and support to succeed in school, and there is no better source for that support than from the family. Educators and families together in partnership can improve student learning and build a better California. Working together, we can keep kids engaged in learning opportunities and keep that curiosity going!

Education research has made it clear that parents who are actively involved in their children’s learning at home help their children become more successful learners in and out of school. 

Ideas to keep kids curious includes applying lessons to your child’s favorite sport, creating STEM lessons in the kitchen, learning another language, using technology at home, reading and participating in activities together as a family.

Getting Involved in Your Child’s School

Children need encouragement and support to succeed in school, and there is no better source for that support than from the family. Parent and family involvement encourages you to participate in your child’s day-to-day education by encouraging their growth and development and partnering with their educators. 

Participating and engaging with your child’s school and educator can provide invaluable information about your child’s personality and learning style. Educators want to be as effective in their work as possible, and they understand that parents are a valuable asset to their instructional program. 

Communication between parents and teachers is key to student success, from regular check-ins to official meetings. Preparing for parent-teacher conferences can be helpful too. Connecting with your child’s bus driver and other education support professionals are important relationships to build as well. 

Did you know California law allows parents, grandparents and guardians to take time from work to attend school conferences and events? Make sure you know the facts.

Opting Your Child Out of Standardized Testing

As standardized testing is under way or about to begin in schools across California, many parents are reaching out to teachers with questions about these tests and asking if they can opt out of the testing for their child. California is one of handful of states that has a law allowing all parents to opt out of state-mandated standardized testing. At the same time there are also California regulations governing what educators can say to parents and families. CTA has put together a number of resources to help educators have these conversations.