Schools across the nation struggle with parent involvement and engagement. As students climb in age, the parent involvement diminishes. This is counter intuitive to what should be happening. As students get older and climb in grades that is when parental support is the most needed. Schools that can develop an engagement strategy to involve families are seen as more equitable, culturally responsive, and collaborative. The most effective approach to increasing family engagement is to seamlessly integrate the approach as a basic component of the school program. Successful strategies include decision-making, collaborating with the community, volunteering, communicating, and learning at home. Parental involvement in learning, which necessitates school-home communication and parental engagement is a vital component in student academic success. The goal should be to develop a trusting, welcoming environment for parents to become involved. When schools build this type of environment, parents are much more involved.
In the current climate of education today, with technology readily available and accessible, it is not acceptable to proceed without parental involvement. The driving question should not be whether a parent was contacted but instead, whether a conversation was held. Educators have the professional obligation to pursue family involvement and a moral commitment to make certain the follow through is completed. According to the comprehensive supports for student learning theory, external barriers, such as societal, familial, neighborhood conditions can lead to active disengagement. In order to combat the barriers, the complementary learning theory suggests learning supports from the parents, family, and community can overcome significant external barriers.
The bottom line in all the research is family engagement in the school is a vital component to increasing student achievement.
Until next time...
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