The Involvement of Parents in the Educational Process

Abstract

The cooperation between the parents and the schools, namely. the teachers, is key to establishing more favorable conditions in the school, but also within the family, to ensure that the child’s overall development and progress is unhindered. As parents have a very important role in a child’s life, they must be involved in the educational process, in order to adequately and timely respond to all challenges that children face. This type of cooperation strengthens parenting skills and competencies, which aims to train parents to help and support their children.

The aim of the research is to determine how and in what ways parents/guardians are involved in the educational process of their children. Furthermore, this research examined how often parents communicate with teachers, and whether that ommunication is adequate. The parents’ opinions about their involvement in the development and implementation of Individualized Educational Programs were also examined.

The research sample consisted of 168 parents/guardians whose children are of primary school age. Of the total number of respondents, 43 parents have children with disabilities. In terms of gender, the research sample consisted of 155 women and 13 men. The instrument used in the research was an online survey, which consisted of 15 open-ended and closed-ended questions.

The results of the research showed that 155 parents actively participate in their child’s school activities. Of the total number of parents, 87 stated that teachers contact them only when learning and/or behavioral problems arise. Parents of children with disabilities reported that 27 children have an Individualized Educational Program developed for them.

This paper will explain in more detail the importance of parents’ involvement in children’s school life and encourages the cooperation between parents and schools, specifically teachers.