Fundamental principles

Focus is on the child and his/her success

All children can learn

Parents want what is best for their children

The school cannot do it alone

Parents are key resource in child's education

Partnerships of families, schools, and communities can succeed

Types of involvement

Fulfilling basic parental obligations for a child's education and social development at home

Taking an active role in home learning activities

Being an audience for school events

Being a participant and supporter of school events and programs

Types, continued

Being a learner

Volunteering or being paid to be a classroom aide or providing other assistance at school

Being an advocate for the school

Being an advisor or decision maker

Essential ingredients

Parent involvement is a school-wide priority

Written policies support parent involvement

Sufficient funding is provided

Time and training is provided

Leadership is taken by administrators

Parent involvement is a community-based effort

Key players

School school administrative leaders

Teachers

Outreach staff

Parents and family members

Community members

Children

Potential barriers

Involvement limited to traditional activities

Lack of training

Little time assigned to support teachers

Teachers see themselves overworked

Most communication with parents one way

Most contacts with home negative

Low expectations of families

Other barriers

Parents may have had negative experiences with schooling

Parents may not understand school's expectations

Parents may not feel welcomed

Working parents have limited time

Parents often lack transportation or child care

Outreach strategies

Regular phone calls

Message recorders or message services

Parenting hotline

Homework hotline

Outreach programs (school staff, parents)

Community-based activities that support involvement with school

Recruitment strategies

Newsletter

Publicity on school events

Community-wide events in support of education

Coordination with local businesses and civic groups

Using public forums for announcements

Retention strategies

Get to know parents as individuals

Offer activities based parent priorities, needs

Be sensitive to local customs and values

Seek regular feedback

Reinforce ownership of programs

Frequently show appreciation