Parenting Power: Why Home Support Tops Schools for Academic Success?

According to recent studies from Brigham Young University, North Carolina State University, and the University of California, Irvine, Parenting Power—or the extent of parental participation—has a greater impact on a child’s academic achievement than the attributes of the school itself.

Dr. Toby Parcel, a sociology professor at NC State and co-author of the report, emphasizes the importance of Parenting Power. He states, “Our study reveals that parents play a crucial role in their children’s academic success. It’s essential for parents to recognize their influence and invest time in their children. This involves actively checking homework, participating in school events, and consistently communicating the importance of education to their kids.”

“That’s where the payoff is.”

The researchers analyzed data collected from over 10,000 students, their parents, instructors, and school officials through a nationwide representative survey. This extensive study aimed to assess the impact of various factors on academic performance. By including diverse perspectives from students, families, educators, and school administrators, the researchers gained comprehensive insights into how both family and school environments influence educational outcomes. The survey’s broad scope ensures the findings are reflective of a wide range of educational settings.

The researchers specifically examined the relationship between academic achievement and “family social capital” and “school social capital.”

Family social capital includes trust, open communication, and active involvement in a child’s academic life between parents and children.

Parenting Power vs. School Support: Why Family Involvement Leads to Greater Academic Success

School social capital measures support through extracurriculars, teacher morale, and educators’ ability to meet student needs.

Kids with strong family support but less school involvement often perform better than those with varied levels of support.

“Parcel says family involvement is more crucial for academic success than school involvement, though both are important.”

Read the article ‘Does Capital at Home Matter More than Capital at School?’ in Research in Social Stratification and Mobility. Social Capital Effects on Academic Achievement” is available. Dr. Mikaela Dufur of BYU and Kelly Troutman, a doctoral candidate at UC Irvine, co-authored the paper.