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Samantha Kapler
As the African proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child." No one knows this better than those who educate today’s students—especially parents and teachers.
Research shows that, although teachers play a crucial role in students’ educational development, effective parental involvement at all grade levels is what increases student achievement, improves attendance, reduces drop-out rates and increases community support for the school.
Roger Harty, an elementary school teacher and an instructor for the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA), provides tips for parents and teachers in a workshop titled "Parents as Partners." The workshop focuses on success for every child through collaboration between all the important adults in the lives of
children.
"Parents as Partners" emphasizes the advantages of parents and teachers working together for the educational success of students. "When parents and teachers communicate with one another," says Harty, "it speeds up the child’s progress and gets any problems that arise resolved in a hurry."
Teachers want parents to be aware of what is going on in the classroom, to be knowledgeable about the curriculum and, whenever possible, to volunteer for field trips or help out with classroom activities such as reading and math. Harty says that it is necessary for parents to take an active interest in their children’s education at all stages, but the early years in school are the most important. "The years between Kindergarten and Grade 3 are crucial," he says. "It’s at this time that students are the most receptive to having their parents take on active roles in their lives."
Understandably, many parents who juggle career and home life find it challenging to actively participate in school activities, but there are many other ways to contribute to a child’s academic success. For example, with a younger child, take time every day to read a story aloud, ask questions and listen carefully to the answers. With a teen, try to engage him or her in conversations over meals. It’s also important to establish set times for homework.
No matter what grade your child is in, consider the following:
• Did your child get enough sleep last night?
• Did your child have a good breakfast and a nutritious lunch?
• Did you really talk to your child today?
• Did you read to your child or let him or her see you reading?
• Did you monitor the amount and type of television your child watched?
• Did you ask your child about his or her school day and homework assignments?
• Have you taken your child on a family field trip lately?
• Are you a good role model?
Parents who want to make a positive difference in the education of their children take the time and effort to participate in the educational process. At its best, education is a partnership between children who want to learn, teachers who want to teach and parents who want their children to succeed.
The ATA’s "Parents as Partners" workshop provides practical materials and information for involving parents in meaningful ways in the education process, both at school and in the home. In addition to the workshop, the ATA offers two elective modules, "Helping with Homework" and "Successful Parent–Teacher Conferences." These modules were developed for parents and teachers of students at both elementary and secondary levels.
How to book a workshop
Professional development workshops provide opportunities for group interaction. Workshops are in high demand, so they should be booked at least six weeks before the date they are to be offered. Workshops require a minimum of 15 registrants (special consideration will be given to small schools). The fee for each workshop is $50, which is payable upon booking. For more information or to book a workshop, contact Janey Kemp at Barnett House. In Edmonton and area, call 447-9485; from elsewhere in Alberta, call 1-800-232-7208.
