Then and Now: How Parental Attitudes Toward Education Have Changed Over 50 Years

Public education has always reflected the broader culture. While the fundamentals of reading, writing, and arithmetic remain the same, the attitudes surrounding them—especially among parents—have undergone a profound transformation over the past fifty years. In many ways, the parent-school relationship has shifted from partnership to polarization, leaving schools to navigate new expectations, pressures, and norms.

Let’s explore how attitudes toward education, attendance, discipline, authority, and work ethic have changed—and what it means for our schools today.

1. The Value of Education: From Reverence to Reluctance

Fifty years ago, most parents viewed education as the golden ticket to opportunity. Schooling wasn’t optional—it was essential. Even parents without diplomas of their own saw public education as a pathway out of poverty and a source of pride. Teachers were trusted, and schools were respected institutions in the community.

Today, the value of education is often questioned or conditional. The rise of social media influencers, alternative career paths, and growing distrust of institutions has led some families to downplay academic achievement. Complaints about curriculum, standards, or test scores sometimes overshadow the bigger picture—helping children grow intellectually and socially.

When parents don’t see school as essential, students won’t either.

2. Attendance: From Responsibility to Negotiation

In the past, attending school was a non-negotiable family priority. Unless a child was genuinely sick, they were expected to be in class, on time, every day. Parents reinforced the idea that learning was worth the effort of showing up.

Today, attendance is often treated as flexible. Family vacations, mild illnesses, or “mental health days” are increasingly common causes for student absences. While mental health is essential, chronic absenteeism has soared in many districts—especially post-pandemic—and parental attitudes toward what constitutes an acceptable absence have relaxed dramatically.

The problem? Lost time is lost learning. And the most innovative curriculum in the world means nothing if students aren't present.

3. Discipline: From Support to Scrutiny

Historically, parents and schools stood together on discipline. If a child got in trouble at school, they were likely to get in trouble at home, too. Parental support reinforced school expectations, creating consistency in behavior management.

Now, discipline is one of the most contested areas in education. Parents are quicker to challenge consequences, defend misbehavior, or demand exceptions. This shift has created a dynamic in which some students feel emboldened and others feel undermined.

Without unified expectations, discipline loses its effectiveness. Classroom management becomes harder, and learning suffers as a result.

4. Respect for Authority: From Trust to Tension

Fifty years ago, schools were seen as moral and civic anchors. Teachers, principals, and superintendents were community leaders, and their authority was respected—even revered. Parents rarely questioned their decisions in front of their children.

Today, that trust has eroded. In an age of instant access and online outrage, authority is more likely to be challenged than supported. Parents are more willing to bypass teachers, call board members, or take complaints public before seeking a resolution internally.

This climate can breed hostility instead of healing. When authority is constantly challenged, it’s the students who lose stability and structure.

5. Work Ethic: From Grit to Excuses

Generations ago, parents instilled a strong work ethic. School wasn’t just about grades—it was about grit. Students were expected to do their homework, study hard, and persevere through difficulty. There was no extra credit or hand-holding.

Today, some parents are quick to excuse low effort or shift blame. Instead of asking, “What can my child do to improve?” they ask, “Why did you give them this grade?” The rise of grade inflation and the pressure for instant results have diminished the long view of education as a process that requires endurance.

Educators know learning is a journey. But that journey becomes harder when work ethic takes a backseat to entitlement.

Final Thoughts: Rebuilding the Partnership

The school-parent relationship is not beyond repair—but it does need recalibration.

Schools must continue to build bridges, communicate clearly, and support families. But parents must also rediscover the value of educational partnership. When parents reinforce high expectations, show up for meetings, support school rules, and instill respect, the ripple effect is undeniable.

Fifty years ago, parents and schools walked hand in hand toward the same goal. We can return to that path—not by blindly repeating the past, but by recovering what was good, proper, and beneficial for children.

It’s time for a new generation of parents to once again say: We’re in this together.