To demonstrate the growing popularity of the Togetr4Success blog, our first blog post was on June 5, 2022, and as of today, the blog post has received 582 views, and the site has received 140 visitors. I
sincerely value your feedback and comments which continue to inspire and motivate me.
I have received questions about the 10-week challenge, how it works, and how it can benefit schools and teachers. Schools and teachers are
preparing for summer break and are exploring various strategies to increase parent involvement. The Togetr4Success model they have said is an attractive approach, and they would like more information as they plan for the start of the Fall school year. Therefore in a series of blog posts, I will describe the 10-week challenge and how it will
benefit schools, teachers, and parents.
So, what’s the big deal with the 10-week challenge, and what’s in it for you. The 10-week challenge approaches the historic challenges schools and teachers have experienced as they attempt to increase and sustain parent involvement. The model considers the parents’ perspectives and the real barriers that get in the way.
The model has also taken the perspective of parent involvement as an event that creates excitement and interest and becomes the foundation for continued involvement. (simply asking ourselves, “what does it take for me to get involved and stay involved in my child’s school?) The 10-week challenge is a universal call to action. Schools create a baseline interest for parents at the beginning and throughout the school through various media, social media, and old-fashioned use of flyers and bulletin board postings.
The 10-week challenge is the 10-week workshops offered by schools. Businesses and popular consumer products have asked potential customers to engage in events that create interest and excitement. For example, gyms and fitness establishments have used challenges to
motivate reluctant customers. Those who have participated and completed the challenge can provide information and “testimonials” for
further product promotion. Schools are taking a popular business technique to create interest and increase parent involvement.
For this to be effective, there must be both a buy-in and commitment from the entire school community that parent involvement will be required and is essential to student success. It requires a united
front amongst all school staff to include a clear vision with goals and milestones in which everyone will have a defined role.
Tomorrow’s blog post will detail each activity and offer insight into how schools, teachers, and parents can engage in activities that contribute to student success.