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NEWS RELEASE

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Contact Info

James Martinez
O: 312-670-6782 x325
C: 773-339-4533
E: jmartinez@pta.org

Lucy Bloom
O: 913-378-1038
C: 913-568-4146
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Study: Dads significantly more engaged in child’s education

Report also shows plenty of room for improvement for fathers

CHICAGO (June 12, 2009) – There are more reasons to celebrate dads this upcoming 100th anniversary of Father's Day.  That’s because fathers are more involved in their child’s education than they were 10 years ago, according to survey results released today by the National Center for Fathering and National Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

In fact, the report, (titled Survey of Father’s Involvement in Children’s Learning) shows double digit gains in the percentage of dads who are taking their child to school, visiting their classroom and attending school events.  These gains are especially important because a father’s presence at school shows a child that education is important and, helps support student success.

The key findings below show the increase of father involvement between 1999 and 2009 in percentage points.

• Fathers increased their involvement in their child’s school:
  • Walk/take their child to school +16 percentage points
  • Attend class events +11 percentage points
  • Visit their child’s classroom +11 percentage points
       
• Fathers increased their interaction with teachers, school officials and other parents:
  • Attend parent-teacher conferences +8 percentage points
  • Attend school meetings  +7 percentage points
  • Attend school-based parent meetings +12 percentage points
       
• Fathers increased their interaction with other fathers for support:
  • Meet with other dads for support +20 percentage points
       
While these positive results are encouraging, there are still a lot of fathers that haven’t engaged in critical activities with their child.  For instance, below are findings from the survey that cite the percentage of dads answering that they “never” engage in the following activities:
 
  • Have lunch with their child at school 74%
  • Volunteer at their child's school 54%
  • Read to their child 39%
  • Visit their child's classroom 32%

Simply put, research shows that greater involvement of men in the lives of children helps them achieve success socially, intellectually and academically.  That’s why National PTA created Men Organized to Raise Engagement (MORE) of which NCF is a key member. The MORE partnership ensures greater father and male involvement to produce positive outcomes and successful relationships for children, parents, schools and communities.

The report comes just in time for Father’s Day and just before National PTA installs its first-ever male president in its 113-year history.  Charles “Chuck” Saylors will become the first man in American history to hold this position.

Another related event includes the National Fatherhood Rally will which will be held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on June 20th.  Other rallies will be held across the country.  The National Partnership for Community Leadership has called for one million dads to make a commitment to their children and encourage dads to make their commitment at www.fathers.com/rally. 

Contact the National PTA or NCF offices for the full report.

About National Center for Fathering
The National Center for Fathering is a non-profit research and education organization whose vision is to see every child with an involved father or father figure.  Based in Kansas City, its mission is to inspire and equip men through research, training, programs and resources to be the fathers, grandfathers and father figures their children need.  The Center’s website at fathers.com serves as the portal to its many initiatives including Championship Fathering, WATCH D.O.G.S., the Father-Daughter Summit, Fathering Court, and training for dads and father trainers and coaches. Its CEO, Carey Casey, is the author of Championship Fathering (May, 2009). 

About National PTA
PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education health, and welfare of children and youth.

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More Info
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Executive Summary

A PTA Father Involvement How-to-Guide

Print-Friendly Version

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Audio
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A PTA Radio interview on the importance of father involvement

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Video
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Carey Casey, CEO-National Center
for Fathering speaks about the
“fathering crisis in America.”


Carey Casey, CEO-National Center
for Fathering, encourages dads to
join in the 2009 National
Father's Day Rally
and Commitment

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Images
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Father and son bonding at 2008 National PTA Convention