Afterschool: Supporting Family Involvement in Schools

"There is no debate about the fact that family involvement in schools boosts student achievement," begins the new Issue Brief from the MetLife Foundation and Afterschool Alliance. "Afterschool programs are a natural way to link families and schools: Afterschool programs provide parents and schools the perfect venue to overcome these barriers to participation. Research shows that parent involvement in afterschool programs provides the same benefits to children, families and programs as parent involvement in the regular school day. Afterschool programs present a gateway into the school for many parents who do not otherwise feel connected to their children’s school... While family involvement in afterschool provides the same benefits to children, families, and programs as family involvement in the school, afterschool is in the unique position to offer families additional support and services that are not possible otherwise."