SHAPING STUDENT SUCCESS: WAYS TO INVOLVE PARENTS

SHAPING STUDENT SUCCESS: WAYS TO INVOLVE PARENTS

Teachers and schools can overcome barriers to parent involvement by reaching out and building trusting relationships. The key is to help parents feel welcome and respected. Those teachers who involve parents build continuity and structure. The following strategies will enable the lines of communication to open between teachers and parents:

• At the beginning of the school, at parent-teacher meetings and periodically throughout the school year, teachers should actively communicate to parents that their role is considered important.
• School principals should create an environment for parents to feel welcome and provide opportunities for parents to volunteer.
• When teachers, principals and counselors make themselves available to parents, it becomes clear that the doors are open for regular conversations about the child’s progress.
• Teachers are to be mindful that family circumstances will differ from student to student, and try to be sensitive to such differences.
• Schools should keep parents informed of policies and  provide opportunities for parents to have input.

When possible, school websites should have up to date information on curriculum, activities and its calendar of events.

Types of Pareental Involvement

Parents’ beliefs about what is important, necessary and permissible help shape students success. Success can be achieved if parents:

• Establish a daily family routine.
• Monitor out-of-school activities.
• Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work.
• Express high but realistic expectations for achievement.
• Encourage children’s progress in school.

Encourage reading, writing and discussions among family members.