AMES, Iowa – While parents have always had a role in their children’s education, significant research confirms that teachers and community members also play a critical role in helping students succeed academically, said Rosa Gonzalez, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“It is not a secret that parents want the best for their children. When you ask parents what they want for their children, the most common answers include being healthy and happy. If you ask about the future, parents want to see their children succeed in life and reach their goals and dreams,” said Gonzalez, who specializes in family wellbeing.
Many studies have shown how education is linked with success in life, including good health and happiness, Gonzalez continued. Students need positive learning experiences and positive role models to succeed in school and in life.
A role for parents, teachers and community members
Parents’ involvement in their children’s education starts at home, and important aspects include their parenting and decision-making and how they communicate with their children. Also important is to encourage learning at home, volunteering and engaging in the community, Gonzalez said.
“Communicate regularly with school staff, become a school volunteer and show you care. Ask about homework and provide learning opportunities outside of school,” Gonzalez added.
The teacher’s role is not only to teach the curriculum. Teachers create a positive and safe environment for learning by showing affection and interest, being empathetic, promoting pro-social behavior in class, being available to all students and showing their commitment to student learning.
“As a teacher, you can learn about community resources to refer families in need, encourage parent-teacher communication, offer extracurricular activities for families, and attend or take part in community events,” Gonzalez said.
Community support is important for many reasons. Members in the community can identify local education issues and develop strategies to remove barriers that interfere with providing equal access and retention, so all children can move forward to a quality education.
Community members can become mentors, run for school board, volunteer at school, or become facilitators for family or youth programs to support parents’ involvement and youth development.
“Helping children to succeed in life and become productive citizens is everyone’s responsibility. It is important for children to know that people believe in them and their capacity to learn and succeed,” Gonzalez said.
Supporting Latinx families
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers “¡Salir Adelante! Pathways for Our Future” for Latinx families. So far, this program has been available in 20 communities around the state. This educational offering provides information and support strategies and assists Latinx families with parents’ involvement in their children’s education by exploring postsecondary education opportunities, costs and how to make higher education affordable.
Parents, educators and community members can get involved in ¡Salir Adelante! and support student success. For more information on how to get involved or to know when ¡Salir Adelante! will be offered in your community visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/salir-adelante or contact extension specialists Rosa Gonzalez, rdegonza@iastate.edu, or Kimberly Greder, kgreder@iastate.edu.
“We all can help to support student education and success in life. When students reach their goals and dreams, parents, schools and communities benefit as well,” Gonzalez said.
¡Salir Adelante! can help families get the tools and resources they need to help students succeed in life and offer opportunities for others in the community to provide support.
