TIPS Research Abstract

Epstein, J. L., Simon, B. S., & Salinas, K. C. (1997). Effects of teachers involve parents in schoolwork (TIPS) language arts interactive homework in the middle grades. Research Bulletin, #18 (September). Bloomington, IN: Phi Delta Kappa/Center for Evaluation, Development, and Research

This study, conducted in two inner city middle schools, reports the effects of TIPS-Language Arts on students’ writing skills, report card grades, and attitudes toward TIPS, and parents’ reactions to interactive homework. After controlling for students’ background, grade level, attendance, fall report card grades, and prior writing quality, TIPS-Language Arts Interactive Homework positively influenced the quality of students’ writing. The effects were significant for holistic writing scores, organization, language richness, and language mechanics, and language arts report card grades. Family involvement increased dramatically for families with all educational backgrounds. Parents who monitored their children’s grades and who participated more often with their children on homework liked the TIPS process more than did other parents.