Research has shown that students whose parents are positively involved in their children’s school life generally have higher self-esteem and achievement levels. And on the other hand, schools with a high parental involvement enjoy an atmosphere that is more conducive to learning and teaching. Research also shows that parents tend to be more involved at the primary level and that involvement declines as the child gets older.
Parents and teachers working together is undoubtedly a desirable situation. Yet many parents find it difficult to figure out how to get involved in their children’s school life, especially at the secondary school level, apart from checking over their books and making sure that home-work is done. Some teachers also find it difficult or too much of a stretch to include parents in the planning and implementation of their teaching.
A survey carried out by the National PTA (1992) in the US asking what barriers PTAs faced when trying to get parents involved showed that 89% of the parents say they don’t have time. Luckily, only 9% didn’t feel welcome at the school. Other reasons were- not knowing the system and how to get involved (33%), feeling like they have nothing to contribute (32%), feeling intimidated (25%), not available during the time school functions are scheduled (18%), language and cultural differences (15%), and lack of transportation (11%). (Reported in Parent Involvement In education: A Resource for Parents, Educators and Communities. By The Department of Education, State of Iowa, US).
These reasons may all seem valid. However some are easier to get around than others, e.g. the time issue and the transportation problem. But it can be noted that most of the other reasons have to do with feelings that are aroused in the parents on the thought of going into the school- feelings of inferiority, incapability, intimidation, fear, etc. These feelings are somewhat similar to what parents would have experienced when they themselves were young people in school.
It seems therefore that in order for parents to notice how important their contribution to the school is they must be able to deal with these feelings. So that , in addition to the regularly suggested activities, I encourage parents to find a space to clear out these feelings- fear of teachers and/or principals, feeling stupid or not as smart as the others, not being able to understand things, not having anything worthwhile to contribute, etc. Don’t carry these feelings with you when you go to visit your child’s classroom. The familiarity of the school and classroom environment will trigger those feelings. And it will be difficult to keep your mind clear and your attention out of those old bad feelings enough to really think well of the teacher and support him or her. Before going into the school talk with a friend about how school used to make you feel. Otherwise those feelings will get directed at the teacher. Be reminded of the good experiences you had in school and some of the pleasant memories you have of teachers. And focus on how you have grown and learned from those experiences so that your ability to think well and function is far more enhanced than what it was then. Remember how much you care about your child and want the best for him or her. And so does the teacher.
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