The Need

Involved Fathers Make A Difference

Parent involvement in the schools has been shown to be a critical factor in children’s academic success. Historically, "parent involvement" has meant mothers volunteering in the schools. 

Only in recent years have we begun to study and understand the importance of father involvement in children’s lives.

Thee U.S. Dept. of Education (1997) found that students whose fathers were involved in their education performed far better in school and had fewer behavioral problems or school failures.

This finding was replicated in recent study of father involvement (Dads’ Club) by Strauss (2000) who also concluded "unique benefits (are) afforded to families and the school community when fathers are highly involved in their children’s schooling."

Fathers helping in the schools clearly benefit their child, their family, their community and themselves. With so many benefits, how do we get more fathers involved in the schools?

In January, Dr. Jones spoke to a group of parent volunteers and educators from the San Diego Unified School District. 

Following the talk, attendees completed a survey addressing specific issues: benefits of a Dads’ Club, obstacles to starting one, and resources needed to support one. 

The overwhelming need for male role models was cited repeatedly and a number of diverse and significant obstacles were identified, including:

• Lack of time
• Inflexible work schedules
• Lack of role models
• Not realizing they are wanted and needed in the schools
• Fear of looking foolish, discomfort in a predominately female world
• Intimidated by the curriculum or school system

One of the greatest threats to our community’s collective health is violence. Violence is on the increase in the workplace, at home, and in our schools.

 Among the various theories offered for the outbreak in school shootings, Michael Gurian, family therapist and author, notes "too many fathers are not around to show aggressive, immature adolescent boys how to control their impulses and work out conflicts peacefully" (Sauer, 4/8/01). 

The Dads’ Club promises parents and other adult role models an opportunity to teach children the social, cognitive and emotional skills necessary to resolve conflicts peacefully as well as to succeed academically (Prothrow-Stith & Quaday, 1995).