More than fifty major research studies of the role of parents in education has shown that:

• Parents' involvement increases their children's achievement.

• Parents' involvement continues to be important even when students are in high school.

• It isn't enough for parents just to be active in their children's education at home-they must participate at all levels in the schools if the schools are to be of high quality.

• Parents don't have to be well educated to help their children improve academically.

• Minority and low-income children gain most from having their parents take an active part in their schooling

You don't have to invest a great deal of time. Half an hour a day reading and talking to your child will make a difference. A few minutes each evening skimming and discussing homework and the exams and other work he/she brings home will make a difference. A brief conversation now and then showing your child that his/her education is important to you will make a difference. An hour or so a year talking to you child's teacher will make a difference. A couple of hours a week or even once a month volunteering in your child's school will make a difference, and so will attending PTA meetings and supporting PTA efforts. In fact, one study found that simply having an active PTA in your school will increase student achievement.