Parent Engagement...Matthew (matt) Key, Georgia

Researchers feel that when teachers begin relationships with families, the partnerships that are formed are associated with the well-being of the student. There has generally a wide gap between high income and low-income families, schools and educators must recognize that families involved are not always the ones that do work at the schools.   All parents want success for the child, but not all have the luxury of time and flexibility.

I have read that schools across the country are increasingly encouraging family-school partnerships; and integrating family engagement into educator evaluation systems. Some are being encouraged to change the way they say things in schools.  Making simple changes in the language makes a difference.  It would be great to use parent engagement as everyday language.

Many works reflect on the ways schools typically partner with families. Are we creating opportunities for family involvement or do we get families through strategies that affect student learning, like modeling of learning support strategies, and positive phone calls? When demographics shift, are we schools shifting best practices for meaningful family engagement?

Matthew (Matt) Key, Georgia