Parent Involvement

Schools face great needs and challenges on a daily basis. The problems our schools are met with are complex and warrant the attention of all stakeholders to find the answers. As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village’ to build a school that values the collaborative nature needed to involve parents, students, and employees equally. Relationship building is no longer just the responsibility of the teacher, but now the school administrators have to be equally responsible for establishing, facilitating, and maintaining relationships with parents. Part of this process begins with the top. School Boards of Education have to outline a vision and mission that drives the organization by setting the climate and culture of inclusion. Once set in motion the philosophy of inclusion will be developed and a plan for involvement will follow suit.

In the current climate of education today with technology so 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. 

Schools across the nation struggle with parent involvement and parent 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 definitely collaborative. 

The bottom line is we need parents to be involved at all levels. Until next time….