This article asks: “How do we build the parent-school partnership and create the trust and communication that supports positive parent involvement in education?”
Lorna Costantini, Parental Engagement: Building Trust between families and schools. Education Canada, March 2013. Retrieved from: http://www.cea-ace.ca/education-canada/article/parent-engagement (Accessed: December 3, 216)
• Author hosts a webcast called “Parents as Partners” – builds relationships using tools such as Twitter, blogs, webcasting software, and YouTube – seeks input, provides information to parents and conducts online meetings – these have helped to overcome barriers such as time, opportunity, culture and distance.
• Many parents feel like “They don’t want me involved”, or “I never know what is going on in school”
Suggests some ways engage parents:
• Ask for input; create websites, blogs, Twitter, Facebook – post information and activities; communicate general stuff about what is happening at the school as well; parents can stay connected that way.
• Some believe that face-to-face is the most meaningful way to connect with parents and it probably is but it is not always feasible to do. Usually busy parents are unable to attend meetings at school or volunteer.
• Be respectful of teacher and parent limitations and refrain from making assumptions. One reason relationships between parents and schools fail is poor communication. Suggests to communicate often and in different formats, to ensure directions and questions are received and acted upon.
• Students do better in school when teachers and parents are on the same page. “
