Chapter 10: Parental Involvement in Faith-Based Elementary Schools in Israel

Parental involvement plays a significant role in the children’s social-emotional, developmental, and academic school functioning (Henderson & Mapp, 2002; Sheldon & Epstein, 2005). Examples of parental school involvement include parents’ participation in the education of their children through different behaviors, such as volunteering at school functions, communicating with school personnel, homework assistance, attending school events, participating in parent–teacher associations (PTAs), and attending parent–teacher conferences (Hiatt-Michael, 2010; Hill & Taylor, 2004; Lee & Bowen, 2006; Stewart, 2008). Epstein (2005) distinguished between parental involvement activities at home and in the school. Her comprehensive model encompasses six typologies such as parenting, learning at home, communication, participation in decision-making, and volunteering and participation in the community. Each of these foundations deepens the partnerships between school, family, and community.