Parent - Teacher Partnerships

What do the politicians below believe is the key to students educational success?

Learning Leaders. (2011, March 11). Family engagement = student success. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwEPv2ob_QI

 

            Throughout my educational career, I have been alone when participating in extra curricular events. When I was in primary grades, many parents came into the class to take part in weekly art programs, and I always wished my parents would have participated as well. When my parents were busy at work, I felt discouraged and less motivated to take part in school events because I wanted them to be there as well. In school settings today, parental involvement  is important, however; teachers are individuals who need to use their skills in order to obtain successful parent-teacher partnerships. Most parents are not involved when teachers send out notices about school events (Auerbach, 2010). Parents are more likely to be involved if the school and teachers make them feel welcomed into a safe environment  (Henderson, et al., 2007). Not only is it important for parents to be involved so they know what is happening in their children's classes, but I believe students will feel more comfortable within their school if they see their parents comfort and involvement. Teacher’s actions are the motivation for parents to become involved (Auerbach, 2010). Because parental involvement is extremely beneficial in the development and learning of a child, then why don’t schools promote a welcoming environment to heighten parental involvement? Below are a few tips that teachers can use to increase parental engagement within the class.

 

Morrow, J. (2010). [Graphic illustration October 22, 2015]. Forming Partnerships With Parents. Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/jim1035/presentationforming-partnerships-with-parents

 

           Not only are there parents who do not put effort into their children’s education, but it is surprising that there are many aspects needed in the process of parent partnership with school. As Auerbach (2010) states, partnership needs to involve parent’s commitment and social justice, which is the understanding, acceptance, and promotion of all cultures and types of family. I agree that parents need to be motivated in participating within their child’s schooling, but also on a community-based level of different children, cultures and families within the school. I believe that the best way to get parents involved is through communication and formation of belongingness, which could occur through family centers, phones calls and event (Henderson, et al. 2007). I believe that teachers should use great efforts to try and motivate parents into becoming involved in the school community, no matter their race, social status, or culture. Check out the 66 ways to improve parental engagement from teachers perspectives.
 

              The most successful way to develop parental involvement within the school is to carry out education in the home as it increase student’s achievement (Shumon, ND). When education is carried out in the home, students are constantly learning and developing in stages. Not only does home education scaffold the child’s learning, it motivates children to do better and parents to develop interest in the class. Homework is the number one tool that teachers use to keep parents involved in the child’s education (Shumon, ND). Not only does homework allow parents to help their children, but it also gives parents a insight on the class content. In addition to homework, there are take home packs. These take home packs give parents a voice as they could comment on the parent logs and express their individual concerns. Not only is this take home pack worthy for parents to voice their opinions, but it is an efficient way to have successful parent-teacher communication. There are tools that teachers need to follow in order to gain parental engagement. These tools will  welcome family communication, support students, speak up for students, share power and collaborate with community (Hammack, 2012).

 PTO Today. (2013, July 26). Parent involvement matters! Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOhZ6U5yaXA

 

 

 

 References

Auerbach, S. (2010). Beyond coffee with the principle: Towards leadership for authentic school- family
            partnership. Journal of school leadership.

Hammack, B., Foote, M., Garretson, S, & Thompson, J. (2012). Family literacy packs: Engaging teachers, families, and  
              young children in quality activities to promote partnerships for learning.

Henderson, T., Mappy, L., Jhonson, R., & Davies, D. (2007). Beyond the bakesale.

            The essential guide to family- school partnership.
Shumon, L. (ND). Parental involvement at home.