Parent Leadership: A Historical Look at Literacy in the Home

Abstract

This article defines leadership beginning with a parent in the home: the first influential figure in a child’s life. Good parenting is emblematic of good leadership, and in turn, fosters what kind of leaders their children will become. Historically, the role of parent-educator has been to teach the fundamentals of reading and writing. While public schools have typically shifted the responsibility away from the parent as primary educator, 21st-century homeschooling has reinstated the parent’s leadership role as educator. Additionally, schools are recognizing the compelling need to collaborate with their students’ parents and follow their lead to leverage scholastic success. The article also summarizes literacy approaches and programs available to today’s parents for enhancing reading skills and lifelong learning.