As a former teacher and mum of three children, I have lots of experience in the education system and how best to support children’s learning. It should be no surprise to hear me say that there are a number of school problems currently and parents and teachers need to work together for the benefit of our children and teenagers.
Our schools and teachers are under immense pressure financially and with the demands placed on them by society. Teachers are facing burnout and yes, whilst it’s their job to educate it seems that they are also expected to achieve much more because of school problems including finances and parenst expecting teachers to parent. Teachers are leaving the classroom and looking for jobs after teaching because the expectations are too much but if parents were more involved in school life some of these pressures would be alleviated and our children would benefit.
What is not being regularly highlighted by Ofsted and the government is the parents’ lack of involvement in the educational process. If we expect our children to ever have a chance at becoming productive members of society, it’s going to take more than just the teachers working with them. It is going to take a collective effort from the teachers and parents to solidify our kids’ place in the world.
Believe it or not, some parents don’t know how to get involved in their child’s education and school problems and that’s okay. For those parents, here are a few pointers.
Open up the line of communication.
Be a proactive parent. Parents should not wait for the teacher to extend an invitation to them, encouraging their involvement. It is important for teachers to know that the parents plan on being an essential part of their child’s academic excellence.
Very busy parents may not always be able to take children to school, many of us rely on after school clubs or childminders but make sure you chat about the child’s day when you pick up your children.
Attending parent’s evenings are crucial for having an open dialogue with teachers. Fortunately, advances in technology have given parents the opportunity to communicate from a distance. Email and parent communication systems, on school websites, make this possible. Even making or returning a phone call could make a difference in the child’s success or failure.
Join the local parent-teacher association (PTA)
Parents joining the local PTA gives their child a voice in his or her school. The PTA is able to make a real difference to schools. They help with fundraising and provide support to the school. Becoming active in the PTA gives a parent the opportunity to put his/her finger on the pulse of the school. During meetings, parents learn of the different issues that affect their child educationally. So not only can PTA members affect change in the life of their child, but they can also affect change in the lives of many other children.
Keep on top of correspondence.
This is my downfall! Stay organised with dates so that the school are not chasing you for reminders for PE kits, lunch money or homework. Much admin time is wasted when parents haven’t returned permission slips and such. I am guilty of this but I am working on it!
Become a School Governor
School Governors act as critical friend to the school. They have a responsibility to ask searching questions and help to drive the school forward. Being a governor is a responsibility because there is a time commitment and regular meetings are held. If you have a skill set that can benefit the school it can really help. I am a parent governor due to my teaching experience and my understanding of school problems and how we can help make sure all children succeed in schools. Read this post on becoming a parent governor if you want to know more.
Ofsted
Ofsted is responsible for monitoring schools and as parents, you can have your say by contacting them about your child’s school, read know-parents-can-tell-ofsted-think-childs-school for more on this. You can contact Ofsted using this link.
Ad Hoc Ways to Help
If time stops you being able to commit regularly then look at other ways that you can help. Go to the school fayres, help at school discos and spend money at fundraising events. The money will help your child. When you have a sort out at home consider giving things to the school if they are suitable. In my post dont-throw-that-10-items-your-childs-school-can-use/ we share the products your school would probably love to receive before you get rid!
Take Responsibility for Your Children
It’s true that bad teachers and some teacher union practices lead to the downfall of our educational system. It is also important to point out that these individuals are not the only components to this terrible equation. Parents are to be held accountable as well. If students do not value education, it is not a teacher problem. That is a parental problem. The parents are the ones who should lay down the foundation on which the child’s educational viewpoints rest.
