Strategies to Implement Parent Involvement
Skiba, Russell and Allison Strassell, “Creating a Positive Climate: Parent Involvement,” Safe and Responsive Schools Project (2002).
This fact sheet defines parent involvement as family–school collaboration; a cooperative process of planning that brings together school staff, parents, children, and community members to aid in the learning development of the child. The fact sheet states statistically that parent involvement has been positively associated with student academic success, higher attendance rates, and lower suspension rates. Six strategies are identified as ways to promote parent involvement. The first three categories are carried out in the home setting: through improving and modifying parenting skills. The latter three occur within the school setting: integrating opportunities for parents to be involved. Each of the six strategies are complemented with applied research and programs for assistance. Examples include: the home–school contract method, used and researched by New Jersey Schools, which helps parents manage inappropriate behavior at home; the Parents as Teachers of Children (PATCH) program which offers support contacts for parents and staff and holds regular support meetings where concerns can be addressed; the New Haven’s School Development Program which helps facilitate difficulties around volunteering; and the Parents In Touch Program in the Indianapolis Public Schools which involves parents in planning academic curriculum.
Suggestions are identified to help make parent involvement work, such as: making a school–wide commitment; using a strength–based, rather than a deficit–based, approach; being responsive to family and community needs; and ensuring access, voice, ownership in decision–making. These suggestions, coupled with the useful support programs in place to help facilitate involvement, are noted as the how–to approach to successful parent involvement.
Relevant Link: http://www.unl.edu/srs/pdfs/ParentInvolvement.pdf