We talked briefly today about reporting out as a school, district and state concerning parent involvement. I was intrigued that so many schools consistantly had 100% participation in parental involvement for many years. I was curious how schools measured the data, and we came to the conclusion it was probably participation in parent/teacher conferences. I understand that administrators want high numbers in parent involvement, but I really question whether or not showing up to a building for 15 minutes every semester makes you involved. Furthermore, should you really be considered involved if I have to make the phone call when the parent doesn't make it to the conference.
I think that reading and math nights truly promote parental involvement. Parents can see what their children are learning, participate in activities and meet with staff. Through my experience, if you have food, they will come! It's a great incentive to get parents involved!
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I too am interested how parental involvement in measured and reported for schools. It seems in the schools I have worked in the only data we have ever had to provide in for parent teacher conferences. While it is frustrating to not have parents attend conferences, I think schools and teachers need to look at the number and kinds of opportunities that are provided to families to be involved. As a parent of a son who struggles in school and has an IEP I can tell you it is no picnic to show up for those conferences and hear all the things he is still struggling with. I go to all the meetings and work closely with the teachers to be sure he is still continuing to make progress, but those conferences can still be devastating. I think offering other activities like family nights or parent discussion groups can be equally as important and provide all families with opportunities to participate. Daily planners and notebooks that parents are required to sign each night are also a great way for daily communication that keep parents aware of the daily assignments and activities. I also think it can be helpful to define what parental involvement means for individual schools in the handbook or information provided at registration. Parent involvement means different things to teachers and parents. It also differs from parent to parent. By clearly defining what the expectations are for parents and listing the positive impacts parental involvement has, parents may have a better understanding of the schools motivation for involving parents in the educational process and thus improve their involvement in the process.
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