Miguel and Selma are the parents of 13-year-old Luisa. They understand that the home environment they create can affect their daughter's achievement. What steps can they take to positively influence Luisa's achievement?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Researchers have found that certain aspects of the home environment are good predictors of adolescents' academic achievement. Miguel and Selma can help improve Luisa's chances of achieving by doing three things. First, they should encourage school success by setting high standards for Luisa's school performance and homework completion as well as having high aspirations for her. Second, they should support values that are consistent with doing well in school. For example, they should structure their home environment so that the messages Luisa hears at school are echoed at home. Third, they should become involved in Luisa's education. Parents who encourage success are more likely to attend school programs, help in course selection, and maintain interest in school activities and assignments. It is also important to note that authoritative parenting-a style in which parents are warm, fair, and firm-is linked to school success for adolescents. Finally, if Luisa's parents are able, they should provide as much cultural capital as they can for her. They can do this by taking her to see art shows, museums, and music performances and by talking to her about these things.

Key Points:

a) They can encourage achievement by setting high standards and aspirations for performance at school.

b) They can support values expressed at the school by echoing school messages at home.

c) They should become involved in the school and their daughter's education.

d) Authoritative parenting is linked to adolescents' success in school.

e) They can provide as much cultural capital as possible to enhance her home environment.