This article picks up from where we left off in our last class discussion about the involvement of parents in the lives of children in underprivileged schools. I worked in an afterschool program and understood the challenges there were in getting parents involved in showcases and numerous activities the program had to offer. Some parents were just busy (as the main reason they dropped the kids off to the program). Every child is different and has many things going on in their lives. I found it extremely hard to get the parents involved; maybe some parents did not take it serious and seen it as a place to just drop their kids off. From a teachers perspective it is even harder. I like how the article says “There are families who are more comfortable in reaching out to school staff; others are reluctant to do so”.
Should schools make it mandatory in some way that parents/guardians be involved in their Childs academics? If so what are some realistic suggestions.
The article also supports the claim that involvement by parents can actually enhance the students’ academics. What I found interested was the statement “When school staff have a better understanding of their students’ home cultures, families’ parenting practices, home contexts, home crises, or significant family and community events, they can develop processes and strategies to bridge school-based and home-based activities and increase support for student learning”. This seems as if it makes the most sense.
This leads me to ask, are teachers doing enough to get parents/guardians involved in the Childs academics. What can teachers do to get a better understanding of the Childs situation and get families to participate on a daily basis?
