Secondary School | High School

Written by: Amanda St. Louis, Toronto Secondary School Teacher

Education is fundamental and essential to our children’s well being. In order for our children to understand the value of education, we as parents, as their most in uential role model, must too value education. Students, for the most part, will be surrounded by educators who love what they do and love to educate. What students aren’t seeing as much of, are their parents being active participants in their education. Why is this important? It is important because our children are always students. Learning does not simply take place inside the classroom but everywhere. I cannot stress enough how important it is for a child to see their parent take an interest in their education and school community. When a parent becomes involved in the school community then the child’s respect, loyalty and devotion to the building, the sta and their own personal education also grows.

As an educator, I see understand what parental involvement can do. There is a stark diference between the behaviour and academic successes in students who parents are involved and active versus those who are not. There is a delicate balance that needs to be found between being active and becoming what we have come to know as the “helicopter parent.” Children need to see that parents value education enough to want to know more, to get involved and show an interest in what they are doing with 6-8 hours of their day. It is about developing ownership, a real connection to their school and education so that students feel safe, welcome and that they belong.

I do not want to spend the majority of this article rambling on about getting involved – I want to provide you with some practical tips and suggestions of what you can do. Choose at least 1 thing from the list below to start immediately. As time allows, choose more and become more active in your school community.

1. KNOW YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL CALENDAR
Every school has a school calendar – this can be found in the agenda, and on the school’s website as well. Know what is happening in the building and encourage your child to be active in their school community as well. Know when school holidays, parent teacher interviews and report cards occur.

2. ATTEND PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS/ MEET THE TEACHER NIGHTS
Every parent has a different work schedule now and this can often be difficult. But try your best  to plan ahead (by looking at the school calendar) and book the time off to be there. If you cannot make it, be sure to contact your child’s teacher(s) and set up individual appointments with them. It is extremely important even if your child is in secondary school.

3. ASK YOUR CHILD – EVERYDAY WHAT HAPPENED AT SCHOOL
Even if your child says “nothing” for weeks on end….keep asking! Eventually, they will have something to tell you. Help them with homework if they ask and help them to stay organized with upcoming assignments or big projects.

It is important because our children are always students. Learning does not simply take place inside the classroom but everywhere.

4. GO TO YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL– ACTUALLY INSIDE
Often when children become young adolescents and teenagers and are walking themselves to school, we don’t even step foot in the school building. Don’t let this be the case. Opportunities such as parent nights, concerts, shows, sports games and community gatherings are happening often, try to attend whenever possible – especially if your child is participating.

5. GET INVOLVED – JOIN THE SCHOOL’S PARENT COMMUNITY COUNCIL AND VOLUNTEER FOR FIELD TRIPS | AND EVENTS  
It doesn’t mean you need to help out with everything – just attend when you can and help where you can. If more parents became active in these groups then there would be very little work for everyone to share.

6. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO GET INVOLVED
There are a variety of events and activities for your child to participate in. If finances are an issue please talk to an administrator at the school, often special funding or payment plans can be used to help ensure that all children can participate.

Henderson and Berla (1994) reviewed and analyzed eighty- the studies that documented the comprehensive benefits of parent involvement in children’s education. is and other studies show that parent involvement activities that are effectively planned and well implemented result in substantial benefits to children, parents, educators, and the school.

BENEFITS FOR THE CHILDREN

Children tend to achieve more, regardless of ethnic or racial background, socioeconomic status, or parents’ education level.
Children generally achieve better grades, test scores, and attendance. Children consistently complete their homework
Children consistently complete their homework.
Children have better self-esteem, are more self- disciplined, and show higher aspirations and motivation toward school.
Children’s positive attitude about school o en results in improved behavior in school and less suspension for disciplinary reasons.
Fewer children are being placed in special education and remedial classes.
Children from diverse cultural backgrounds tend to do better when parents and professionals work together to bridge the gap between the culture at home and the culture in school.
Junior high and high school students whose parents remain involved usually make better transitions and are less likely to drop out of school.

BENEFITS FOR THE PARENTS

Parents increase their interaction and discussion with their children and are more responsive and sensitive to their children’s social, emotional, and intellectual developmental needs.
Parents are more con dent in their parenting and decision-making skills.
As parents gain more knowledge of child development, there is more use of a protection and positive reinforcement and less punishment on their children.
Parents have a better understanding of the teacher’s job and school curriculum.
When parents are aware of what their children are learning, they are more likely to help when they are requested by teachers to become more involved in their children’s learning activities at home.
Parents’ perceptions of the school are improved and there are stronger ties and commitment to the school.
Parents are more aware of, and become more active regarding, policies that affect their children’s education when parents are requested by school to be part of the decision-making team.

BENEFITS FOR THE EDUCATORS

When schools have a high  percentage of involved parents in and out of schools, teachers and principals are more likely to experience higher morale.
Teachers and principals often earn greater respect for their profession from the parents.
Consistent parent involvement leads to improved communication and relations between parents, teachers, and administrators.
Teachers and principals acquire a better understanding of families’ cultures and diversity, and they form deeper respect for parents’ abilities and time.
Teachers and principals report an increase in job satisfaction.

BENEFITS FOR THE SCHOOL

Schools that actively involve  parents and the community tend to establish better reputations in the community.
Schools also experience better community support.
School programs that encourage and involve parents usually do better and have higher quality programs than programs that do not involve parents.

Excerpt from Home-School Relations: Working Successfully with Parents and Families, by G. Olsen, M.L. Fuller, 2008 edition, p. 129-130. http://www. education.com/reference/article/benefits- parent-involvement-research/