Parent Ownership - A (Not So) Secret Ingredient to Student Achievement

One of the toughest aspects of school leadership is communicating bad news to parents about their child’s behavior. Whether it’s a fight, misbehavior, or another disciplinary issue, administrators must convey what happened, how it was handled, and what the consequences will be. Fairness, accountability, and transparency are non-negotiable in these situations.

Over the years, I’ve had hundreds of these difficult conversations. However, a challenging trend has emerged: more parents seem reluctant to accept accountability for their child’s actions. Even when evidence is clear—like video footage or witness statements—some parents insist their child is a victim or that the school has failed them. These conversations often feel like courtroom trials, requiring administrators to present every detail of “the case.” It’s an exhausting dynamic.

But as I’ve reflected on these interactions, one word stands out as a solution: ownership. Ownership is the practice of acknowledging responsibility—not only for behavior but also for learning and personal growth. This applies to everyone in the school community: students must own their learning, teachers their instruction, and parents their role in supporting both academic and behavioral outcomes.

Parental ownership is especially critical for student achievement in reading and math. Research shows that when parents are involved, students perform better on national and state assessments. Studies indicate that engaged parents foster more positive learning environments, leading to higher achievement in core areas like literacy and mathematics (Park, Stone, & Holloway, 2017).

Unfortunately, recent debates around parents' rights have added complexity to the conversation about involvement. While some parents feel empowered by these movements, others view them as a challenge to teacher authority. Yet, the underlying message is clear: parents play a crucial role in their child’s education. When families and schools partner effectively, students thrive.

Ownership also includes building bridges between home and school. Imagine starting the school year with this simple message: “This year, we’re asking each parent to volunteer for just 30 minutes.” This isn’t about overloading schedules but about creating a connection between families and educators. Small acts of volunteering—like helping with drop-off, monitoring the lunchroom, or reading with students—make a big difference.

In my experience, even minimal parental involvement transforms relationships. I recall a specific situation where a parent, previously resistant, shifted after volunteering. Engaging with the school firsthand gave them new insight into the challenges educators face, leading to more productive and empathetic conversations when their child encountered disciplinary issues.

For schools, encouraging parental ownership isn’t just about filling volunteer spots—it’s about cultivating mutual respect and shared responsibility. As we’ve seen at any thriving school, even small contributions build trust, foster partnerships, and ultimately improve student outcomes.

Reflection Questions:

- How does parental involvement directly impact reading and math achievement?

- What challenges do schools face in increasing parental engagement, and how can these be overcome?

- How can schools encourage both students and parents to take ownership of their roles?

- What strategies can make volunteering accessible to parents with demanding schedules?

At its core, education is a shared endeavor. When schools and families work together, students excel—not just in academics but in life. With intentional collaboration, we are shaping a future where every student can succeed in reading, math, and beyond.