Gianzero (1999) presents a comprehensive review of the literature concerning the relationship between parental involvement and student performance, predictors of parental involvement, types of parental involvement. Research indicates that strong family school linkages improve children's educational success regardless of socioeconomic status. It is noted that, for schools, the benefits of parental involvement include: (a)better reputation in the community (b) improved teacher morale (c) higher parental ratings of teacher performance, and (d) increased support from families.
This paper highlights research, which show that in the US, parental involvement begins to decline in middle school. This may be attributed to the fact that students work with different teachers, distance between schools and homes, and parents' perception that their children need more autonomy.
According to Gianzero (1999), research indicate "the care with which strategies are planned and implemented is more significant than the specific form the involvement takes" and cautions that "a school climate that does not make families feel welcomed, respected, needed and valued risks alienating parents" (Gianzero, p. 8 - 9).
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