Source: Parental Involvement in Education & Schools: Benefits and Strategies
Introduction:
It’s no secret that parents play a vital role in the success of their children’s education. Beyond just helping with homework and school projects, research shows that parental involvement in school decision-making processes can have a profound impact on the quality of education students receive. Involvement in these processes is a crucial way for parents to communicate with their children’s schools and ensure that they are being provided with the best educational opportunities available. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the ways that parent involvement can make a difference in decision-making processes and discuss why it’s so important for parents to engage in these activities.
Collaboration between parents and school administration:
When parents are actively involved in school decision-making, it can create opportunities for collaboration between the school administration and parents. This collaboration can result in better problem-solving for issues at school, better communication and improved relationships between the parents and the school. When parents get the chance to voice their opinions and concerns about school decisions and see the impact of their ideas, they’re more likely to feel invested in their child’s education.
Improved student outcomes:
When parents are involved in school decision-making, they can advocate for the programmes and services that they believe will best support their child’s needs. Research shows that this involvement is associated with better academic achievement, higher graduation rates and more positive attitudes towards education. Additionally, since parents are often the best advocates for their child, their involvement in decision-making can lead to more individualised and comprehensive support for their child’s academic and personal growth.
Ensuring equity and accessibility:
By engaging in school decision-making, parents can help ensure that all students have access to the same opportunities and resources. They can advocate for equal representation and opportunities for all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Additionally, parents can help schools identify and tackle issues that may be hindering student success such as outdated policies, discriminatory practices or a lack of resources.
Encouraging accountability:
Parent involvement in school decision-making can also encourage accountability at all levels, from the school administration to the teachers to the students themselves. Parents can help ensure that school policies and decisions are implemented correctly, teachers are held accountable for their performance, and students are held accountable for their academic progress. When parents are involved, schools are more likely to be transparent, and accountability for student outcomes is strengthened.
Conclusion:
Parent involvement in school decision-making is not only beneficial for the students and the school but the parents themselves. When parents are actively involved, it helps to increase their investment and understanding of their child’s education and can ultimately lead to lifelong learning. It’s important to note that parent involvement comes in different forms, from volunteering to school council participation and everything in between. However, the key takeaway is that parent involvement benefits everyone and is essential in shaping the best possible outcomes for all students at the school.
