“Tallahassee Democrat” Editorial 18th November 2007.
The opportunity to engage parents in the schooling process especially in literacy support is truly international as clearly described in the following article from the Tallahassee Democrat.
We’re known for beating the drum to bring out village support for children in our public schools. In recent months, we’ve championed the need for community partners to help bridge the digital divide, and mentors to help save struggling schools.
But charity, as the adage goes, begins at home.
Which is why the parent-teacher organization at Bond Elementary merits special commendation for its efforts to engage more parents. After only three parents turned out for the school’s first PTA meeting this year, the group organized a Nov. 10th rally to boost parent participation. It was attended by an estimated 700 parents and students; at least 70 parents showed up for a reading program seminar the following week.
Both Ursula Staten, vice president of the PTA at Bond, and Tamika Fields, president of the PTA at Pineview Elementary, point to perceptions of inaccessibility and inadequacy as factors that may keep parents and guardians from being more active in parent-teacher organizations.
“Some parents may be intimidated to talk with the principal and teachers because of their education levels,” said Ms. Fields.
As household demographics change, it may take increasingly creative outreach efforts such as the rally at Bond to empower parents/guardians, and to circumvent the pathology that impedes their involvement. Schools could try smaller in-home meetings, weekend gatherings and meeting in off-site locations such as neighbourhood community centres to draw more parents out.
Increasing parent visibility and activity on campus is no simple task, and our hats are off to the parents who work to motivate their colleagues. There are work schedules, kids activities and even traditional parenting paradigms to get around.
The PTA at Kate Sullivan Elementary, for example, encouraged more dads to get involved during their kids’ younger years by sponsoring a “Bring Your Dad to Lunch Day,” said Bob Prather, the school’s PTA president.
No matter how many mentors and community partners pledge time and money to aid our schools, nothing will replace the influence of moms and dads.
“Schools are made by how well they can get parents, mentors and volunteers involved,” Mr. Prather said.
That synergy begins at home.
