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February 11, 2005
Parental Participation in the Academics of
Children Associated with Greater Achievement in Offspring during
Adolescence
Higher levels of academic achievement are highly
affected by the type of parenting one receives during
adolescence, a study finds. Past research has indicated that the
role parental guidance plays isn’t as significant in adolescence
as in the early years. |
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In this study, researchers hoped to determine the role parenting
plays on the development of children’s talents, abilities, and
competencies during adolescence. In addition investigators
measured the affect of parental involvement on behavioral
problems, academic achievement, and the development of life
objectives in children.
Methods
Researchers recruited 460 African American and White children
enrolled in the seventh through eleventh grades.
Investigators measured parental involvement at school by
conferencing with adolescents, teachers, and by visiting
schools. Later in the subjects’ school careers, scientists
measured behavior at school, academic achievement, and life
objectives.
Results
Findings of the study indicate that throughout adolescence
parents wield enormous influence on the path their children take
in school and in the planning of their future.
Children with parents, who attained only a high school
education, were more likely to desire going to college and to
have more professional success than their parents. Parental
involvement in this group was not highly associated with
exemplary behavior or high grades.
There was no difference between the levels of parental
involvement between white and black parents. However, African
American parents had a stronger desire to advocate for their
child in the school system. In addition, their influence on
children was greater than that of whites. Researchers stated
that often times African American families need to invest more
time to ensure the success of their children because of negative
situational circumstances, which impinge on academic
achievement. For instance, the sample of black families in this
study was less affluent than white families. Investigators
asserted that the wide availability of resources in white
families compensated for the decreased desire among white
parents to advocate for their children.
Parents with low levels of education were less likely to be
heavily involved in their child’s education.
Conclusion
Researchers assert that high levels of academic achievement are
a product of the parenting practices one receives during
adolescence—with high levels of parental involvement being the
main ingredient.
Complete findings of the study appear in Child Development, Vol.
75, Issue 5, December 2004.
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