PARTNERS IN LEARNING:What Can Parents Do?Many parents quickly see the advantage of having a parent center in their child's school but don't know how to get started. Below are some practical suggestions that may help. It would be great to have a place for parents at my child's school. How can I, as a parent, make that happen? First, remember that you can't do it alone. Nor should you, since an effective family center builds on the strengths, interests and needs of many people. Pull together a group of diverse parents to help develop the idea. The clearer the vision, the easier it will be to sell. Don't get too far in your thinking, though, before including the principal and teachers, as their support and ideas are essential. How can I convince teachers and the principal that a center would be valuable? Look at family centers from an educator's perspective. Gather information on how family centers can increase parent involvement, a proven ingredient in student achievement. Look for family centers in other schools and suggest a visit. Or invite teachers and parents from that center to give a presentation at your child's school. How do I answer the "stoppers" like, "there
isn't enough money, time, staff," etc.? Educators face
these very real considerations whenever they look at new programs,
no matter how attractive. You don't need to have a ready answer.
Suggest, instead, that a steering committee be formed to look
at these and other practical issues. If you visit other centers,
ask the "nitty-gritty" questions to find out how others
over-come these and other barriersa Written by The Family Connection of St. Joseph County, Inc. for Partners in Learning [Vol 2:3, 1999] a newsletter of the Indiana Center for Family, School & Community Partnerships. Back to
Partners in Learning Contents | Return
to top | |
Next
Article: Good Resources