Demographers estimate that children from immigrant and refugee families may constitute 30% of students in American classrooms by 2015.
Data shows that parents who are actively involved in their children's education and school livies are more able and likely to support their children's educational endeavors.
Studies find that compared to US-born parents, foreign-born parents are less likely to visit their children's school, participate in or attend school activities and events, help with homework, and talk to teachers and school staff.
According to a 2009 report, "common barriers immigrant parents face to actively being involved in their children's education include lack of formal education, low English language proficiency, lack of knowledge of the mainstream U.S. culture and school system, and time constraints due to work and family responsibilities".
Research has demostrated that parent and community involvement positively contributes to a student's academic achivement by improving attendance, improving attitude, and reducing dropout rate.
