One of the important entities of school is the student and behind their academic performance parents play a major role. Every school leader wants to see their school succeed and take it to the next level and student’s academic performance plays a vital role in it. Parent engagement is one of the important factors in every child’s academic journey and every school leader should focus on it and always strive to improve parent’s engagement in school.
However, many schools struggle to effectively engage parents, resulting in missed opportunities for collaboration and support. According to researchgate.net, a very low percentage of parents are involved with school.
Moreover, in this blog post, we will be exploring several strategies to improve the engagement of parents with school and it’s importance which will ultimately help their children to perform better in their academics and in their life as well.
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Importance of Parental Engagement
Parental engagement plays a crucial role in a child's academic success, social-emotional development, and overall well-being. When parents are actively involved in their child's education, it leads to several benefits:
Enhanced Academic Achievement: Many researches show that students with engaged parents tend to have higher academic achievement and perform better in school.
Improved Student Behaviour: Parental involvement is associated with better classroom behaviour and a reduced likelihood of disciplinary issues.
Increased Motivation and Participation: Engaged parents encourage their children to participate in extracurricular activities, leading to a more well-rounded educational experience.
Positive School Culture: When parents are involved, it creates a positive school culture where collaboration and support are valued.
Better Communication: Strong parent-school communication fosters a sense of trust and allows for effective collaboration in supporting the child's educational journey.
Strategies to Improve Parent Engagement in Schools
To enhance parent engagement, schools can implement various strategies that promote effective communication, build trust, and encourage parental involvement. Let's explore nine key strategies:
1. Utilize a Comprehensive Parent Communication App
In the digital age, utilizing a school-parent communication app can streamline communication and keep parents informed about their child's educational activities. These apps provide a centralized platform for sharing important updates, academic progress, and personalized information. Parents can access relevant information with just a few clicks, ensuring they stay connected and engaged in their child's education.
2. Foster Effective Communication
Schools must prioritize effective communication with parents. Whether through the communication app or in-person meetings, educators and administrators should clearly convey expectations and provide guidance on how parents can support their child's academic journey. By establishing open lines of communication, parents feel more empowered and motivated to actively engage in their child's education.
3. Build Trust with Parents
Regular communication is essential for building trust with parents. Educators should strive to establish respectful relationships with parents, ensuring that crucial information is shared transparently. Parent-teacher meetings and virtual sessions can provide opportunities for educators to create positive connections and foster trust. By actively engaging with parents, schools can cultivate a collaborative environment where everyone feels valued and involved.
4. Recognize Parents as Partners and Major Stakeholders
Parents are key stakeholders in the education system, and schools should recognize and treat them as partners. Educational institutions must ensure that parents have easy access to information, resources, and support. Inviting parents to actively participate in their child's education and seeking their input and feedback can strengthen the partnership between schools and parents.
5. Share Accountability
School leaders should ensure that all educators and staff members participate in communication initiatives with parents, sharing the responsibility for effective engagement. Clear protocols, tools, and policies should be in place to facilitate communication, and school management should lead by example, demonstrating their commitment to fostering parent engagement.
6. Organize Volunteer Programs
Volunteer programs provide an excellent opportunity for parents to actively contribute to their children's education. Schools can organize volunteer programs where parents can spend time in the classroom, assisting with various activities or sharing their expertise. This involvement allows parents to gain firsthand insights into their child's academic environment and strengthens their connection with the school community.
7. Conduct Home Visits
Home visits are powerful strategies to establish personal connections with parents and understand their unique circumstances. Educators can visit students' homes at least once a year, fostering communication and building relationships with parents. These visits provide valuable insights into the student's home environment and allow for a more comprehensive understanding of their needs.
8. Provide Home Activities
Home activities offer an opportunity for parents and children to work together on educational tasks. Educators can design engaging activities that require collaboration between parents and students. By sending home activity packs at regular intervals, schools encourage family involvement in learning and create meaningful opportunities for parent engagement.
9. Celebrate and Share Positive News
While it's important to communicate essential information, schools should also focus on sharing positive news and celebrating achievements. Too often, communication from schools revolves around administrative matters, which can become monotonous for parents. By regularly sharing positive news and recognizing student’s accomplishments, schools can create a more engaging and uplifting communication environment.
Improve Parent engagement in schools For Better outcome
Every school leader aims for one goal, which is to take school to the next level. However, it’s only possible when one of the most important entities which is student perform well in their academics. Those school leaders who have pursued courses like Online Program in Pre and Primary Teaching know that improving parent engagement in schools will automatically improve the academic performance of students.
Moreover, applying all the above-mentioned strategies to improve parent engagement in schools will also work and ultimately help students perform academically better. Remember, parental engagement is a continuous process that requires ongoing effort and commitment from both schools and parents. By working together, it can ensure that every child receives the support and guidance they need to succeed in their educational endeavours.
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