Analysis: A Lack Of Parent Engagement

In an article published by Psychology Today entitled “A Lack of Parent Engagement Helps Create Failing Schools” (13 June, 2011), Dr. J. Richard Gentry argues that teachers have been unnecessarily vilified, as the real fault lies with parents. He validates his claim by providing discouraging statistics that show the absent role many parents play in their children’s education; by reporting accounts of teacher Will McIntyre’s experience with “disengaged” parents who, unfortunately knew little to nothing about their children’s failing statuses; and, lastly, by providing tips for parents to encourage and ease the success of their children, such as prioritizing school, teaching even years prior to formal schooling, and meeting students’ teachers.