Parental Engagement: A Five Part Discussion With Five School Based Professionals

Written by

Michael A. Robinson

Education: The Natural Bridge (ETNB) has long understood the important role parents play in the academic success of their children. Research has shown engaged parents impact the way children think about education. Thus suggesting when parents put emphasis on education the children follow.

In a ground breaking discussion over the next several weeks ETNB will closely examine the aspects of parental engagement, by discussing the pros and cons associated with increase parental engagement in public schools. During this time we will interview a panel of fathers/significant male role models, teachers, and counselors to obtain their views and opinions regarding parental engagement.

In part three of our five part discussion with five professionals from one of Maryland’s largest school districts we focused on ways parents can become more engaged with their child’s school.

ETNB: What are some of ways parents can become more engaged with their children around school?

Luz: Parents can be more productive partners if schools:

• Provide parents with clear information in multiple languages
  
• Establish times for conferences that are convenient for the parents
  
• Use technology such as e-mail and voice mail in multiple languages
  
• Do surveys in multiple languages
  
• Create a volunteer program for ESOL and not ESOL parents
  
• Create a two ways communication system in both languages
  
• Support parents with workshops in both language
  
• Link parents to community programs
  
• Include parents on decision making

Jason: Parents can become more engaged with their children around school by doing parent observations, volunteering to chaperone on field trips or other school events, and by actively communicating with their child’s teacher.

Leydin: By taking advantage of volunteer opportunities in the schools, attend parents/teachers conferences, school general meetings, etc.

Jose:

• Parents and community members joining the PTA
• Volunteering to assist in school functions acting as chaperone, serve as a guest speaker for career day in the classroom
• Parents can provide the school with needed assistance based on their areas of expertise
  
• Engage the teachers in discussions related to their children academics (Parent/Teacher Conferences)
  
• Visiting their children classrooms on a regular basis
  
• Assist the community in developing events that benefit their child’s school

Vanessa: There is an enormous amount of opportunities for parents to become more engaged with their children around school. The core opportunities are visiting their child’s classroom, having frequent correspondence with their child’s teacher(s) via phone, meetings, or on-line communication, and participating with parent workshops. The workshops focus on the most prevalent information for parents, provides a forum that allows for questions and feedback, as well as teach skills for application.