Involving Parents in Their Children's Education: Strategies Students, Parents, and Community Members As Partners in Strategic School-Community Planning What about the families who don't come to those important events like parent teacher conferences? Contact them to find out if there is a time that is convenient for them. In conjunction with the teacher, reschedule the conference. If necessary, take the parent teacher conference to them. Be with the teachers when they do these rescheduled conferences or off site conferences. You are sending a strong message to teachers and parents alike about the school's commitment to students. Home visits by teachers and principals can work miracles for families. Invite parents to be involved in their children's education and create ways for that to happen. Involvement can range from baking brownies for a school fundraiser to serving on the Board of Education. We need them all. We need the money and enthusiasm generated by fundraisers, a strong voice on the school board for elementary students, and everything in between. Part of the job description for today's educational leaders is the ability to forge meaningful participation and consensus among an increasingly diverse and demanding community of stakeholders (Blick, 1998). Schools need parent input to be sure we are doing what's right for kids. By including parents in the school's decision-making processes, you invite insight and ideas that school personnel alone cannot provide. Parents will contribute from a knowledge base and perspective unique to them. Examples might include parents serving on committees to improve the playground, revise the parent/student handbook, or develop the school calendar. Other ideas will come to mind as you think about your school's needs. National PTA: Parent Involvement Many elementary schools have a parent teacher organization or council. Depending on your schools history of working with parents, yours may already be in full swing or you may need to jump-start it. Giving this group specific responsibilities and decision-making powers allows them to be involved with the school in meaningful ways. That meaningful participation encourages other parents to participate. The ways you involve parents will be unique to your school and needs. Cupcakes for classroom parties are only the beginning. Don't be shy—ask parents for their help. Contact parents you know and parents you don't know, recruit parents from all types of backgrounds, ask parents how to involve other parents. Students will benefit. Students profit from having their parents actively involved in their education. Working with Parents...an Elementary Principal's Perspective Previous Next

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