The purpose of this study was to provide a theoretical framework, with which to assess the effect gender has on parental involvement and student achievement. A cross-sectional study was conducted that utilized Walberg’s educational productivity model to measure parental influences as they relate to the following four dependent outcomes; reading and math achievement, composite grades, and self-concept.The 93.7% return rate of parent data in the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) provided a unique opportunity to explore information about family influences. Very little research has explored parental involvement in an eighth grader's life. This research found that fathers and mothers contribute different factors as related to the four dependent variables based upon the gender of their child. Thus, educational decision makers should take into account the family circumstances –such as family structure and mothers’ implication in the labor market- to promote effective school-family partnership.