Student achievement increases when parents are involved in their child’s education. The areas of Parent Engagement where parent involvement makes the biggest impact are communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making, and collaborating with community.

1. Parenting — basic parenting including discipline, setting expectations, and providing a home environment conducive to learning;

2. Communicating — contact, both parent- and school-initiated, pertaining to student academic performance and planning;

3. Volunteering — volunteering at school events or other community events related to education;

4. Learning at Home — involvement in learning activities at home, including homework and extracurricular learning ventures;

5. Decision Making — participation in school decision making and/or governance through a parent organization; and

6. Collaborating with community — Coordinating learning with community activities for families.

There have been many studies to determine the impact of students with involved parents, and the results all indicate the same. Regardless of background or income, students whose parents or caregivers were involved were more likely to:

• have higher grades and test scores;

• participate in higher level courses;

• pass their classes, earn credits, and be promoted;

• attend school regularly;

• demonstrate good social skills and behavior;

• adapt well to the school environment;

• and graduate and enroll in postsecondary education.

One of the many ways Decatur County Schools recognize the importance of educating parents in each of the six areas of Parent Engagement is by offering parent involvement workshop opportunities on various topics throughout the school year. Parent Volunteer Training sessions are being offered as Decatur County implements a district wide volunteer program. The goal of the volunteer program will be to establish parent councils and volunteer placements at each school site.

Parent Volunteer training sessions will continue to be offered until all parent volunteers have undergone appropriate training. The parents and caregivers who have indicated through school surveys that they would like to volunteer their time or talents in Decatur County Schools are encouraged to attend one of the training sessions currently being offered.

Each workshop will be held at the Decatur County School Support Center (the old West Bainbridge Elementary School), located at 507 Martin St. in west Bainbridge. The first is Jan. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The second is Jan. 31, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The training sessions will review important guidelines and code of ethics for volunteers as well as provide an opportunity for identification badges to be made.

For more information on Parent Involvement, Dr. Guy may reached at cguy@dcboe.com or (229) 243-6847.