Research Article 1: Parent Engagement in Schools, American Psychological Association (2024).

The article identifies the correlation between parental engagement in a student’s education and the
reduction of at-risk behaviors and improved attendance, behavior, and academic progress. The
findings are supported by research from the Center for Disease Control and the author suggests a
framework to connect, engage and sustain parental involvement. This article is related to CSTP 6.4
“Working with families to support student learning,” in that it emphasizes the importance and
benefit of parental engagement and provides practical applications. As a teacher leader, this article
reminds me that I should provide multiple opportunities for families to be involved with their
student’s learning and to sustain the relationships and their involvement throughout the school
year. Planning this is as important as preparing lessons.

Research Article 2: Parent Engagement for Teachers and other School Sta (2024). Data drawn
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The findings were that students whose parents participated in health-related school activities also
had academic and behavioral gains. Parents were more engaged in health-related topics and
students were less likely to use drugs and alcohol, be involved in risky sexual behavior, and would
do better academically. The author suggested involving parents in decision making in Parent
Teacher Organizations, incorporating their involvement in health related at-home projects, and to
have them review and comment on physical education curricula.

This literature is related to CSTP 6.3 “Collabora ng with colleagues and the broader professional
community to support teacher and student learning.” As a teacher leader, this article reminds me to
value the resources that parents bring to education. I need to make inquiries about their interests in
being involved in the classroom and find ways to integrate their skills, knowledge, and resources to
build a broader learning community.

Compare/Contrast Articles: These two articles suggest that parental engagement is an essential
ingredient to a student’s academic achievement. The American Psychological Association gives a
general overview of three components, connect, engage, and sustain to foster a strong educator-
parent relationship that will reduce unwanted behavior patterns and increase constructive patterns
that lead to academic achievement. Whereas the Centers for Disease Control places emphasis on
the role of parental engagement in the health education activities of one’s student. Whether it be
serving on a healthy schools board, a healthy cooking class, or volunteering at a sporting event, the
author asserts that it contributes to improved mental and physical health for the student, as well as
academic and behavioral well-being.

As a teacher leader, these articles inform my teaching practice by reminding me that a student that
is healthy in mind and body can better attain increased learning and that there is a myriad of ways
to connect parents to education through this channel. By using the interests of student health to
increase parental engagement I can make the connections and improve engagement through
activities like park day or share a recipe day, and better sustain relationships with parents for the
benefit of the students’ academic success.
Works Cited
American Psychological Association. (2014). Parent Engagement in Schools. Retrieved from
American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/programs/safe-
supportive/parental-engagement

Division of Adolescent and School Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion. (2019). Parent Engagement for Teachers and Other School Sta .
Retrieved from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/protective/factsheets/parentengagement_teachers.htm