Section 1: Academic Achievement - National Center for School ...

Appendix A -Parent/Child Homework Group: A step by step guide to replicating a
homework project with parent, schools and the community
What is the importance of parent participation in a child’s education?
“When parents are involved in their children’s education at home, they do better in school.
And when parents are involved in school, children go farther in school and the schools they
go to are better.” (Henderson and Berla, 1997)
What is a Parent/Child Homework Group and how is it different from other homework
groups?
Often “homework help” groups or clubs consists of a group of children and an individual who
has had teacher training and who guides children through the steps necessary to complete an
assignment.
Some parents have defined a Parent/Child Homework Group as a place where parents and
children come together to work on homework in a place where an individual who has had
teacher training is available to offer support by mentoring parents and children as they
collaborate on their children’s assignments and school projects.
What is the goal of a Parent/Child Homework Group?
The goal of Parent/Child Homework Group is to remove the barriers that limit parents from
participating in their child's education and to work collectively with the schools and the
community to find strategies that would result in successful experiences for parents and
children as well as promote educational success.
Who should be involved in a Parent/Child Homework Group?
It is vital that parents, schools and communities work together to promote educational
success. However, a Parent/Child Homework Group that is developed with the involvement
of parents in the process maximizes a parents’ strengths and empowers them to make
decisions based on what they themselves identify as the needs. With the additional support of
the school and the community, parents are better able to break down barriers and move
toward meaningful participation in their children’s education.
Action Research to Study Homelessness and High Mobility in School Communities 20