Abstract
In referencing the text “Early Childhood Education” by Morrison, Chapter 17, which explains parent, family, and community Involvement in schooling, an analysis of Table 17.1, was made. The account specified Research Support for Parent Involvement and how parent/family involvement can be enhanced. A description of all six types listed in the text is given. Examples of ways in which involvement from a teacher or school's perspective can be encouraged are outlined, using supporting scientific research data.
Parenting Knowledge and Skills
This involvement is, primarily, incorporated through parent- teacher associations within the school organization. A National Education Association research revealed an exciting new wave of evidence, which proved the hypothesis true that parent involvement in their children’s school is very beneficial. (“Research spotlight on, “2011)
Parents bring their talents, which enhance delivery of education to the entire school and not just their child. However, this fact finding research confirmed that when parents invest their skills and knowledge in the educational institution their children attend it serves as the catalysts for higher grades; better social skills; regularity and punctuality at school as well as influences improvement in their chances of graduating from one level to the next. (“Research spotlight on, “2011). This practice must be reinforced through institutions by programs, which would provide for its delivery.
Communication between the Home and School
Schools have established communication links between parent and school. This can, however, be enhanced by making sure that contact information is updated regularly. Some schools send important information home, such as, suspension notices and falling reports.
A way of providing more efficient communication between home and schools is that the teacher or school administration should call the parent or guardian; talk with them on the subject or leave a message prior to sending the information with the child. Recent research conducted by an educator, Rick l. Lavoie, confirms that one thing successful schools have in common is their ability to maintain an effective home school communication practice. (Lavoie 2008)
Volunteering at the school and in the community
There are always opportunities for parents to volunteer in school activities. These include trips out of state or even within the communities. Parents can serve as chaperons on buses or guardians when students camp out for national events.
Participating in marches and rallies is a fine demonstration on how schools can collaborate with community action groups to foster a more harmonious environment. The community service requirement prior to graduation is a very useful exercise in reinforcing a volunteering culture.
Research trends in volunteering predict that in the near future almost every governmental agency will call for mandatory volunteer requirements before benefits are approved. Further studies reveal that already 83% of Public high schools in America have an efficient Community service volunteering program. While there is no statistical evidence available to measure this phenomenon in other countries, it is being encouraged and practiced. (Ritchie)
Supporting Student learning at home
Supporting student learning at home cannot be overemphasized as being a very effective technique of involving parents in the learning process and fostering a better home school relationship. A strategy which has become acceptable and very useful is homework.
The difficulty here may be whether the parent is equipped with adequate skills to help in this intervention. It is here where school administration either through the parent teacher association or separate sessions should offer mini workshops in assisting parents to cope. It facilitates helping children with assignments that have to be completed at home.
Another way of supporting learning at home is through expanded after school programs. A Massachusetts Afterschool Research Study discovered that such programs were very effective support systems when teachers and parents are integrated in the teaching- learning experience. It produced better homework completion attitudes and positive outlook on school- home culture. (Little, 2009)
Involvement in Decision Making and Advocacy
This is vital in establishing favorable home school relationships. It takes school out of the building into a community based intervention project. Involvement of parents; family members and students themselves in decision making should not be only a congress intervention through the petitioning process, but through public meetings between parents, community officials and school boards supported by student research.
In regard to student advocacy, studies have proven where student research has become a great force towards creating inter-generational partnerships fostering social justice at every level of society. (Goodyear, 2003). An accessible quality educational opportunity is the desire of every parent and student.
Collaboration with the Community
Schools collaboration with the community could take the form of adoption of schools to help provide cultural nourishment for students. These community men and women who cooperate in business ventures can serve as role models for the next generation to either improve or continue building artifacts of an education institution -community association.
Mavis Saunders in a study on Collaboration between school and community admitted that there were very little studies conducted in this area. However, in her investigation she was able to draw three distinct conclusions to support this theory.
There was marked increase in cooperation between school and community in sharing of skills and leadership; remarkable evolution of ventures through planning and implementation of strategies for the common good and community advocacy for district resources. (Saunders, 2009)
References
Goodyear, L. Checkoway, B. (2003). Youth engagement in community evaluation research. Cyd journal, 4. 1, Retrieved from http://www.cydjournal.org/2003Spring/editor_note.html
Lavoie, R.(2008, ). The Teacher\'s Role in Home/School Communication: Everybody Wins. , (), Retrieved from http://www.ldonline.org/article/28021 .
Little, P. (2009, February 11). Supporting Student Outcomes Through Expanded Learning Opportunities. Retrieved from http://www.hfrp.org/out-of-school-time/publications-resources/supporting-student-outcomes-through-expanded-learning-opportunities.
http://www.tcrecord.org/Content.asp?ContentId=15304.
Research Spotlight on Parental Involvement in Education. (2011). NEA Reviews of the Research on Best Practices in Education, (), Retrieved from http://www.nea.org/tools/17360.htm
Morrison, George. (2008). Early childhood education today. USA: Prentice Hall.
Ritchie, M. Volunteering Trends Including Required Volunteer Experience for Ontario High School Students. Retrieved from http://www.childresearch.net/RESOURCE/RESEARCH/2010/RITCHIE2.HTM
Sanders, M. (2009). Collaborating for Change: How an Urban School District and a Community-Based Organization Support and Sustain School, Family, and Community Partnerships . Retrieved from http://www.tcrecord.org/Content.asp?ContentId=15304. ("Research spotlight on," 2011)
