Parental Involvement in Public Education
I had the chance to visit the Riverview Elementary School dedication last month and I was impressed with the students and parents that participated in the program. The student council spoke about how they wanted to make their school like Ivy League Universities and they described the things that students were doing to make their school great. I wondered where they got this drive and determination.
Then I heard the PTA president and community council president talk about all that their organizations were doing to help the school. From moving furniture and setting up classrooms the day before school started, to fundraising for additional equipment to make the environment better, these parents were dedicated to going beyond what was required to make the school excellent.
Although educators make a huge difference in our children’s lives through pedagogy and caring relationships, I really think that part of the drive and determination that the students feel at Riverview and other schools throughout the district is a reflection of the significant ways that parents volunteer and become involved in their children’s education.
I think that there are several things that school district employees can do to encourage more parental involvement in our children’s education:
- Give meaningful assignments to your PTA and community council organizations. My wife mentioned that the PTA was the organization that makes sure the details are covered and puts the polish on a program or project. Parents love to see that they are making a difference.
- Communicate ways that parents can be part of the educational process through helping their children at home. Nothing makes me happier as a parent than knowing that my time in helping my child with her homework was noticed by her teacher.
- Involve parents in decision-making. Provide parents with the information they need to help with decisions and then solicit their input. Of course there will always be parental input that you disagree with, but make sure the parents know you value their opinions even if you make a different choice.
Parents can be valuable partners as we work together to create an Ivy League experience for our students in Alpine District.
Mark Clement
Alpine School Board Member
