The odds are stacked against us.
In general, research shows children raised in single-parent households don’t perform as well academically as peers who have both parents at home.
Nationally, about 34 percent of children are being raised in single-parent homes. In Mississippi, the number climbs to 43.4 percent, according to the Kids Count Data Center — 50.3 percent in Clay County, 45.5 percent in Oktibbeha County and 42.1 percent in Lowndes. Most often, those single parent households are comprised of single mothers.
So for us, it is encouraging to see programs being held at Franklin and Fairview elementary schools in Columbus putting extra emphasis on getting fathers in the classroom.
Incidentally, parental involvement also has a direct correlation to student performance.
Unfortunately, especially in single-parent homes, where mom or dad is juggling work — sometimes more than one job — and raising children, there isn’t always time to make special trips to school or to offer extra help with homework.
Local schools are working to bridge the gap, offering such interventions as those presented by Father’s Child Ministries at Franklin and Fairview. And a handful of schools in Columbus and Starkville are participating in the International Walk to School Day today, encouraging parents to walk to school with their children.
We commend the schools for creating ways for parents to get more involved in their children’s education. But at the end of the day, it’s the parents’ responsibility.
Though you may not have time, make time.
Read to your children. Meet their teachers. Help them with homework. Every little bit makes a difference.
How can we tell our children education is important if, at the end of the day, we show them otherwise?
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.