The Teachers in my school have enormous challenges to face regarding many issues, one of which is parent participation. Parent participation has been steadily decreasing at this school. In 2005 and 2006 about 40% of parents filled out the "salt” survey questionnaire compared to only 25% in 2007 and 2008; this percentage is greatly below the average of all Rhode Island's elementary schools, which has consistently stayed at about 55%. Only 9% of parents attended a school workshop in 2008. And only 60% of parents are said to be involved in their children's learning.
Teachers at this school are quite dissatisfied with parental involvement as shown on the “Teacher Satisfaction Rating Scale,” (According to teachers, only 17% of parents are supportive of the school and its programs.) but teachers are not doing anything about it. When teachers filled out the salt survey in 2008 on "Parental Contact," the report showed that teachers are doing even less to contact parents today, compared to 2005 and 2006, and 70% of parents who filled out the "salt” survey said that the school has involved them less this year, than they did last year.
Many questions need to be asked to regarding these issues one question is; why are parents not involved? Many parents must be struggling financially if 93% of children are eligible for free or subsidized lunch programs at the school, and many parents must not speak English if 43% of the students are English as a second language learners. There are many things to take into account as to why parents are not involved.
If I were a teacher in the school I would struggle just like all of the other teachers are at getting parents involved, but I would try my hardest to change this. One thing I would do to hopefully increase parental involvement is; start the year off right in September with a "Meet your Teacher’s Night."
Parents would come to school in the evening with their children (so no babysitters are required) and do an activity or two to get to know other parents, students, and the teacher. Then students will go to the gym (ex.) together and play tag or watch a movie, while parents learn valuable information about the year, what their children will be learning, what parents need to know, and how parents can get involved.
To make this event even more accommodating, have refreshments or do a fundraiser trying to have a free dinner afterwards for all families. Ask a parent who is bilingual if they would be willing to translate what is being said, to parents who do not speak English, and if no parents are willing, try to find someone who is (a teacher, a friend, etc.). Also have the same paperwork to give to parents who need it, in languages other than English.
To get parents to come to this event the teacher should personally call each and every parent and let them know about it. (Parents are very busy, papers go home, and parents don't pay much attention to them or sometimes they get lost on the bus by the student, and never end up coming home). Make this a night to remember, even though it is very time-consuming and hard work for the teacher, in the end your hard work may really pay off. Remember that it's a one-time a year event (you can do more in the future once you have a rhythm to the "beginning event") and first impressions can really make all the difference. If parents hear the teachers say why they need parents to be involved, how important it is, and how much fun it can be, parents might really be motivated to do more, because pretty much all parents want the best for their child! Parental involvement can really help children to succeed on various levels!
Teachers at this school are quite dissatisfied with parental involvement as shown on the “Teacher Satisfaction Rating Scale,” (According to teachers, only 17% of parents are supportive of the school and its programs.) but teachers are not doing anything about it. When teachers filled out the salt survey in 2008 on "Parental Contact," the report showed that teachers are doing even less to contact parents today, compared to 2005 and 2006, and 70% of parents who filled out the "salt” survey said that the school has involved them less this year, than they did last year.
Many questions need to be asked to regarding these issues one question is; why are parents not involved? Many parents must be struggling financially if 93% of children are eligible for free or subsidized lunch programs at the school, and many parents must not speak English if 43% of the students are English as a second language learners. There are many things to take into account as to why parents are not involved.
If I were a teacher in the school I would struggle just like all of the other teachers are at getting parents involved, but I would try my hardest to change this. One thing I would do to hopefully increase parental involvement is; start the year off right in September with a "Meet your Teacher’s Night."
Parents would come to school in the evening with their children (so no babysitters are required) and do an activity or two to get to know other parents, students, and the teacher. Then students will go to the gym (ex.) together and play tag or watch a movie, while parents learn valuable information about the year, what their children will be learning, what parents need to know, and how parents can get involved.
To make this event even more accommodating, have refreshments or do a fundraiser trying to have a free dinner afterwards for all families. Ask a parent who is bilingual if they would be willing to translate what is being said, to parents who do not speak English, and if no parents are willing, try to find someone who is (a teacher, a friend, etc.). Also have the same paperwork to give to parents who need it, in languages other than English.
To get parents to come to this event the teacher should personally call each and every parent and let them know about it. (Parents are very busy, papers go home, and parents don't pay much attention to them or sometimes they get lost on the bus by the student, and never end up coming home). Make this a night to remember, even though it is very time-consuming and hard work for the teacher, in the end your hard work may really pay off. Remember that it's a one-time a year event (you can do more in the future once you have a rhythm to the "beginning event") and first impressions can really make all the difference. If parents hear the teachers say why they need parents to be involved, how important it is, and how much fun it can be, parents might really be motivated to do more, because pretty much all parents want the best for their child! Parental involvement can really help children to succeed on various levels!
*all information was taken from the "SALT" survey from: infoworks.com
Hi Jana,
ReplyDeleteI applaud your desire to involve parents. It is crucial. I know that parents often struggle with issues of time and transportation, so perhaps chartering a school bus would help. Just an idea...
Dr. August