We value things that are consistent with our expectations. For example, it is false to believe parents do not want to be involved in school and with teachers, but there has never been a setting or forum available to facilitate these encounters aside from parent-teacher conferences. The task is to challenge previously held beliefs to create a path through which parents and teachers can communicate and problem-solve constructively on behalf of the students.
It starts by identifying and validating concerns expressed by parents and teachers. Teachers’ problems generally originate with student-centered issues, either academic or behavioral, and in some cases, school-based interventions have been instituted with little to no improvement.
The power of human interaction when solving problems and the ability of teachers and parents to eliminate real and perceived barriers that prevent meaningful contact is accomplished through involvement in parent and teacher workshops. Teachers and parents are expected to attend one time per week for approximately 90 minutes, during which food and refreshments are served. To further address potential barriers to attending, transportation is provided at a free or reduced price. If needed, on-site childcare is provided with advanced notice.
Parents and teachers were asked what might encourage them to get involved in their children’s school and what might encourage them to continue their involvement. Here are their answers:
1. The program must have limited interference with their work schedules and offer after work hours, held on weekends if possible.
2. It must be fun, meaning it must be enjoyable and lighthearted, and the environment must be non-threatening.
3. The program must provide food; the better the food, the greater the motivation to return.
4. Childcare services must be provided if needed, ideally at the school where the workshops will take place, with food provided and the opportunity to complete homework.
5. Transportation should be provided to and from the school or the facility at which the program is located.
6. Stakeholders should leave the meetings with a genuine feeling that parent involvement will have a substantive effect on child/student academic and behavior improvement.
For more information on how to integrate Togetr4Success and increase parent involvement in your school.
Contact us at Togetr4Success@gmail.com or call us at (860) 706-7935.