Parental engagement in education has always been acknowledged as a crucial factor in meeting the academic and social needs of children. As a matter of fact, numerous studies have proven that parental engagement has a positive effect on children’s educational achievement, attendance, and behavior. Despite the importance of parental engagement, many educators still struggle to establish meaningful partnerships with families.
There are various reasons why parents might not be engaged in their children’s education. These reasons range from cultural barriers, language barriers, lack of time, and low self-efficacy when it comes to supporting their children academically. Given these challenges, educators must find creative ways to build stronger relationships with parents so that they can work together to promote positive learning outcomes in children.
Below are some of the best strategies that schools can use to create strong partnerships with parents and families.
Communication:
To establish meaningful relationships with families, communication is key. Schools should have multiple channels of communication while ensuring these channels are consistent and clear for parents and guardians. Some effective communication strategies that can be used include weekly newsletters, text messages, or email blasts to parents. Teachers can also establish regular check-ins with families or make themselves available for calls or in-person meetings to provide feedback on student progress.
Cultural Understanding:
Educators should attempt to understand the cultural and social background of their students’ families. This can take the form of community engagement events or creating spaces where parents with different native languages can communicate with school staff. By acknowledging and valuing the diversity that each family brings to the table, educators can foster a more inclusive learning environment that affirms and celebrates cultural differences.
Active Participation:
Schools can organize various activities that require parent involvement in school programs, including volunteering, attending school events, and participating in parent teacher organizations (PTOs). By encouraging parents and guardians to participate in the school community, they will be motivated to create even stronger bonds with the school and their children.
Provide Resources:
Some parents might lack the knowledge, confidence, or resources necessary to support their children’s education. One way to encourage parental engagement is to provide educational resources that parents can utilize to support their children. The resources can take the form of reading materials or online courses that inform parents on best practices to support their child’s academic growth.
In conclusion, parents and guardians must be considered an integral part of any student’s educational journey. By actively engaging parents and families in the educational process, schools can create a more supportive and collaborative learning environment that will ultimately lead to improved student performance. Schools must embrace a family-centered approach to learning, where the responsibility of the child’s education is shared equally between the school, parents, and the community. By doing so, educators can create collaborative partnerships that will enhance student outcomes and contribute to a child’s overall success.
