Develop a parental involvement plan that will focus on the issues discussed in chapters 1 and 2. The plan should highlight the following areas: Academic,

1

Parental Involvement Plan

Jackson State University

2

Parent Involvement Plan

The academic concerns within our educational systems can be controlled and corrected

by the involvement of schools, families and the community. Teachers and administrators have to

learn and develop skills that will help guide youth to achieve their best in their academics. By

having teachers, children and parents collaborate to achieve the optimal care for children, our

adolescents will have the best chance at a achieving the most out of their education. Children

will have to overcome many academic, social and economic challenges.

As children go through school, they face many academic difficulties. Many factors play a

part in the undermining of a child’s education. Some children have learning difficulties. They

require specialized classes with a unique curriculum that is prepared for those that possess

disabilities. Children that are ethnically distinct also face many obstacles in school. Being from a

different country, the child’s family may not be well versed in English or able to speak other

languages at all. Bridging the language barrier is a complication that many educators will face as

America continues to grow ethnically. Teachers that show discrimination and show a lack of

attention towards students will also affect a student’s academic performance. Ensuring that

school officials exhibit correct responses to children are essential for their success.

Certain methods should be utilized toward accomplishing the successes of educating our

youth. When an issue with a child, whether academic or personal, is identified by a capable

adult, the community, educators and family should come together to make adjustments. There

should be a program of which students and teachers alike can come together and be able to voice

their opinions and issues without fear of scrutiny. Teachers should set up a monthly meeting

with all parents and children to discuss all concerns and come up with a group or individual

plan(s) to prevent further issues. Families with children that have special needs or academic

disabilities should be able to set up appointments with educators to discuss each child’s special

3

circumstance. For the best outcome for the child, teachers and families alike should form a team

engineered towards the betterment of the student.

Social influences have also dramatically changed how students today perform in school.

Not only has the media and peer connections impacted academics, but they have also changed

how schools need to perform and teach. Peer influences can have a major effect on how a child

thinks, feels and acts. When a friend suggests acting against better judgement, it is up to that

child and their upbringing to decide whether or not to act on such behavior. The media also

influences a child’s way of learning. Technology has become the center of everyday life.

Without the internet and social media, today’s children would be clueless to the world going on

around them. Children now use the internet to do most of their schoolwork and studying. Screen

time for many adolescents begin as early as under 2 years of age.

If we can get children and their peers to pool resources, a study group could be formed,

and students can voice their academic issues. With students helping students, pressure from

having an educator’s criticism would be nonexistent. Having more educational outings, or field

trips, would be an asset to letting peers learn from one another. Teachers could suggest a topic

for discussion and then list multiple educational places to visit. Leave the decision to the students

and allow them to have some direction over their schooling. Not only would it bring the students

together, but it would also teach them teamwork and decision making.

There are many economic issues that affect today’s youth. Many children are unable to

get the most out of school on account of financial issues. Families that have lower incomes tend

to struggle the most when it comes to providing the suggested school supplies needed, ensuring

lunch or lunch money is provided and school fees for extra-curriculars and field trips. Children

who lack the finances to participate in most school functions often feel left out and secluded.

4

Learning-related behavior issues and depression from economic stress can lower educational

success.

To help combat these economic issues, cost free lunches should be available for all

children. No child or parent should wonder if they’re going to have a meal available at school. If

the school boards could get grant funding for all schools within their designated districts, then

that funding could go toward providing children with lunches. This funding could also be

beneficial toward the children who fail to have the required amount of funds for field trips and

events. School fundraisers could also be of assistance for student fund care and supplies.

When our teachers, families and communities can work together to make our educational

systems beneficial for all children, then our children will have a brighter future. Working with

these students and encouraging them every step of the way will pave their future for successes in

their home life, education and their future careers. With the help of these 3 representatives, our

children would have the motivation to succeed and become the best version of themselves.

5

References

Education and Socioeconomic Status Factsheet. (2020). Retrieved 14 March 2020, from

https://www.apa.org/pi/ses/resources/publications/education

Help, G., Professionals, F., Listed, G., Help, G., Professionals, F., & Therapist, F. et al. (2020).

Academic Concerns. Retrieved 14 March 2020, from

https://www.goodtherapy.org/learnabout-therapy/issues/academic-concerns

Scully, P., 2019. Families, Schools, And Communities. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey:

Pearson Education, Inc., pp.1-56.