Parental engagement is a cornerstone of academic success. For Black families in Alabama, active involvement in schools is not just beneficial—it’s transformational. When Black parents raise their voices, show up, and advocate for their children, they influence policies, improve educational outcomes, and drive lasting change in communities.

In this article, we’ll explore the power of parental involvement in education, the impact on academic success and mental health, and concrete ways Black parents can take action in Alabama’s schools.

Why Parental Engagement Matters

According to the National Education Association, students with engaged families are more likely to:

  • Earn higher grades and test scores

  • Attend school regularly

  • Have better social skills and behavior

  • Graduate and go on to postsecondary education

For Black students, parental involvement becomes a powerful tool for closing achievement gaps and ensuring equal access to opportunities.

Alabama’s Educational Landscape

In Alabama, where educational disparities continue to affect Black communities, strong parent-school partnerships are essential. According to the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), schools that maintain family engagement programs see improved school climate, student behavior, and teacher satisfaction.

Barriers to Engagement in Black Communities

Before we can increase engagement, we must acknowledge the barriers Black parents face:

  • Historical mistrust of school systems

  • Underrepresentation in PTA or school governance

  • Lack of access to school-related resources or communication

  • Work schedules or lack of transportation

Despite these challenges, many Black parents are eager to engage—they just need accessible, meaningful opportunities.

Strategies for Black Parents to Get Involved

1. Know Your Rights and the System

Understanding how the Alabama public school system works is step one. Learn about:

  • The Alabama Accountability Act

  • School choice options

  • State testing and curriculum standards

🔗 Visit MySchoolChoice.com’s Alabama Roadmap to learn more.

2. Engage in Parent-Teacher Communication

  • Attend parent-teacher conferences

  • Use school portals like PowerSchool to monitor grades

  • Ask teachers how you can support learning at home

3. Join the PTA or School Board Meetings

Your voice matters in shaping school priorities, especially around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

4. Participate in Advocacy Organizations

Groups like Black Alabamians for Education provide training, resources, and platforms for families to advocate for better education policies.

5. Lead Community Conversations

Host or attend community forums to discuss:

  • Educational equity

  • Resource allocation

  • School discipline and safety

Connecting Parental Engagement and Mental Health

Why It’s All Connected:

A child’s success in school isn’t only academic—it’s emotional too. Mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and trauma can significantly impact focus, behavior, and performance.

Ways Parents Can Support Mental Wellness:

  • Promote open communication at home

  • Encourage sleep, physical activity, and emotional check-ins

  • Partner with schools on access to counselors or mental health resources

Recommended Mental Health Resources for Black Families:

Success Story: When Parents Lead, Systems Follow

In Birmingham, a coalition of Black parents partnered with educators to demand equitable access to advanced placement courses across underfunded schools. Their advocacy led to changes in course offerings and teacher training. This is just one example of how parent-led change is possible.

Take Action: Be the Change in Alabama Education

Parental engagement is a superpower. When Black parents lead with intention, schools listen, communities shift, and students thrive.

✅ Here’s how you can start:

  • Subscribe to updates from BlackAl4Edu.org

  • Attend school board or district meetings (virtual options are often available)

  • Speak up about resource gaps, curriculum concerns, or discipline policies

  • Share your story—your experience could inspire change

📣 Every voice matters. Let’s use ours to build an education system that works for every child in Alabama.