As previously stated, it is essential for schools to build strong alliances with parents. Despite of anything else, parents are our students’ first teachers. They provided guidance well before they enrolled into any school district. It is important to realize the vital role parents have (or should have) in their child’s education – even at the secondary level. Therefore, measures must be provided to assure parents an active role in teaching our shared student. In doing so, they will foster a culture of engagement I would like to look at which specific measures are needed for engaging students’ parents. At the current moment, I am looking at two different inquiries to explore.
The first is feasibility and effectiveness of offering classes to students’ families. The courses could be along the lines of ‘professional development’ to parents – such as acquiring leadership skills. Or courses could be used as resources – such as ESL classes. If parents partake of these learning opportunities, they will be exhibiting motivation as their children will see parents taking risks, investing time, and modeling what it is to be a lifelong learner.
The second is to explore what exactly is effective parent involvement. From most of what I’ve seen on the topic are adults informing other adults about what parent involvement entails. But what better way to seek what is truly effective than to ask students themselves. In this instance, the question I would want to explore is: What constitutes effective parent involvement from a student’s perspective?
What do you think?
Is there another avenue yet to be mentioned that beckons an inquiry?
Are these substantial questions that, if fully explored, merit answers for change?
If so which of the two would you investigate first?
Toward the end of the 2009-2010 school year, the jr. high team talked about how to get more parents involved in their students' academic lives. One idea we discussed was offering monthly night classes that would teach various skills ~~ i.e., computer skills, study skills, etc. The classes would be to help parents be better resources for their students. Whatever program is implemented on any public school campus must have the support of the entire campus ~~ from the principal to the teachers to the paraprofessionals. Parents, just as our students, need to see that the schools care about them and their students, personally.
ReplyDeleteWell stated. It does take commitment from the entire campus to encourage and promote active parental involvement. A good school leader will ensure this occurs as such participation is vital to a school's success. Thanks for your helpful insight. Please feel free to become a follower of my blog.
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