I Am Empowered - I am the National Urban League

“Every parent wants their child to achieve, thrive and succeed. Too often though, negative perceptions of children of color and their parents can influence the ability of parents and children to get the supports they need.”—Chanelle P. Hardy, executive director, National Urban League Washington Bureau

In recent years, the debate about ways to close the achievement gap and adequately prepare primary and secondary African American students for success has focused on such remedies as ensuring resource equity, expanding pre-school opportunities, and raising teacher quality. While all of these are necessary, one area that is often overlooked is the importance of parental involvement.

No one disputes the fact that children are more likely to perform better, graduate from high school and be better prepared for college and the world of work when their parents are actively involved, both at home and at school, in their education. But for many low-income African American parents who may be single and struggling to make ends meet, finding the time and energy to help with homework, volunteer at school and communicate regularly with teachers, can be especially challenging. They need help. And schools and districts that serve low-income students and students of color must do more to overcome greater barriers to effectively engaging parents. These and other findings are revealed in a new National Urban League survey, “Engaged to Achieve: A Community Perspective on How Parents are Engaged in Their Children’s Education.”

The survey solicited the views and opinions of K-12 teachers, school administrators and volunteers in communities across the country about their perceived differences in parental awareness, parental involvement and opportunities for student achievement and success based on race and economic background.

Click here to read the full column on the Frost Illustrated website.