Parental Attachment

Introduction The United States has experienced ongoing changes since the 1920s, but parental involvement has proved to remain critical in student achievement. Before the child begins school, the first teachers are the parents within the home. At home is where children learn the values instilled in them for the rest of their lives. Parental involvement promotes the social and emotional growth of a child. The attachment between a child and a parent is an emotional and learned behavior. This attachment in a parent and child relationship forms the basis for a child to trust or not to trust their environment (Gestwicki, 2000). The parent and child attachment is essential for a child to trust adults, such as teachers, and the social development …show more content…
The beliefs and mistrust of the school and teachers have led many African American parents astray. Research on ethnic differences and parental involvement revealed the relation between involvement and achievement is stronger for African Americans than European Americans (Hill & Taylor, 2004). Based on the number of parents that attend Open House and Curriculum Night, I have estimated approximately 10% of parents in the Foundation level classes are actively involved when compared to 80% of parents in Honors classes. Although the African American heritage has placed a strong emphasis on the value of education due to their ancestors, the attitudes and values have strongly impacted their children. Sadly, it is still a “racist” mentality among the African American community that has become a hindrance of learning. Many parents at my school believe that “white teachers” hold lower expectations and provide poor instructions when compared to white students. Since adolescents are grappling with their own identity, it is more likely students will mimic the pessimistic attitudes and values of their parents. Because of this learned behavior, African American students internalize the perceived low expectations of their teachers, leading them to experience low self-esteem (Hill & Taylor, …show more content…
During the elementary years, parental involvement is directly associated with student achievement because it includes visits to the classroom and interactions with teachers. The frequent interactions provide exposure and knowledge about the curriculum, thus increasing the effectiveness of involvement at home (Hill & Taylor, 2004). The interactions between teachers and parents may develop a mutual respect and increase parent’s perception on the value of education. In middle school, the school-based parental involvement has shifted from assisting in the classroom to school activities. The problem with school activities is the information presented in the activities does not cultivate the relationship between teachers and parents. Therefore, it is often a strain between the partnership that will produce a weaker academic outcome for