A recent article on the relationship between family and education discusses the impact of the father’s absence on the educational attainment of children. The article also discusses the Family Education Program, which is the first peer-based program of its kind in the United States. The article also explores the importance of family engagement in education as a strategy to foster a positive learning environment for all students. But before diving into the details, let’s take a moment to review some basic definitions and the importance of these topics.
Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)
In addition to providing educational opportunities for young children, ECFE provides resources to help parents care for their children. These resources include parent/child time, parent-only discussion groups, special events, home visiting, and links to community resources. Licensed teachers provide high-quality services to meet the needs of parents and their children. Infant programming teaches parents about infant development, safety, and fun activities for parents and babies. ECFE also offers parenting books for adults.
A typical ECFE class includes a parent discussion facilitated by a parent educator. Children play with each other and later join in on learning activities. Some ECFE classes are for parents only, while others are for children only. The classes are designed to offer parents tips on child development, discipline methods, and other topics. The children spend the first half of the class with their early childhood teacher. A parent educator meeting is held during the second half of class. During ECFE classes, children and parents also enjoy a snack together.
National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)
NCFR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study of families and the issues surrounding them. Its members are educators, researchers, and practitioners from all walks of life. Members contribute to the field through publications and conferences, and through the development of tools and resources to help improve family life. The council has three scholarly journals and a number of professional designations. To become a member, visit ncfr.org.
NCFR is also active in policy engagement. It works to disseminate research on family issues and educate policymakers. The organization also produces policy briefs and research to help members make informed decisions about family issues. All NCFR research is based on high quality research and goes through a peer-review process to ensure that its content is of the highest standard. To support its mission, the organization raises funds through membership dues and solicits donations from members.
Also Read: An Overview of the Department of Basic Education
Impact of father’s absence on children’s educational attainment
Evidence from non-cognitive domain research has pointed to a negative impact of absent fathers on children’s growth and educational attainment. Specifically, father absence has been shown to decrease students’ academic scores in mathematics, and to increase the probability that students attribute their educational success to external factors. However, many studies have used complex empirical methods, resulting in results that vary widely. Moreover, the effects of absent fathers are often smaller than those of their presence.
In addition to the negative effects of absent fathers on children’s academic performance, studies have shown that fathers’ involvement in children’s lives is associated with better behaviour in school. This includes fewer incidents of expulsion and suspension. School behaviour is closely linked to educational attainment, and fathers’ influence on children’s behavior is significant. Children with a positive relationship with their fathers are less likely to be depressed, exhibit disruptive and aggressive behaviors, and engage in prosocial behavior.
Encouraging family engagement as a strategy to create a positive learning environment for all students
To create a positive learning environment for all students, school personnel must ensure that families feel included and recognized in the process of education. Parents can engage in various ways, including sharing concerns or serving on committees. Handouts are available that help educators encourage family engagement. However, it is important that all parents are equally engaged. It is possible to engage parents of children with different learning styles and backgrounds by providing multiple formats for their participation.
Engaging parents and families is a proven way to increase student achievement. Parents’ engagement with their children’s education is a significant predictor of future academic success. Engaged families help their children foster a lifelong passion for learning. Encouraging family engagement in education is more than common courtesy. It is one of the most effective strategies for a positive learning environment.
