ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the research clearly indicates that numerous aspects of the home environment affect learning and achievement, throughout childhood and adolescence. The effects of home environments are particularly salient early in life, because they are predictive of many aspects of school readiness. Even during adolescence, when youth are seeking greater independence from adults, aspects of the home environment can have dramatic effects on adolescent adjustment and learning. The chapter also discusses the original Guide focused on a number of key aspects of the home environment that affect academic achievement. Researchers also have examined many aspects of parental involvement with academics. Results of numerous studies indicate that greater parental involvement is related to higher achievement. Parents’ more generalized beliefs about education also impact achievement. When parents hold high expectations for achievement, students tend to achieve at higher levels.
