15 May 2008 Media Statement

Parents more involved in schooling than ever

Traditional ways of parents being involved in their children’s schools have given way to far stronger links between schools, parents and communities, Education Minister Chris Carter says.

An Education Review Office study of more than 200 schools found parents’ expectations of their level of involvement with their child’s school was higher than in the past and schools were actively working to meet those expectations.

“Schools and parents working in real partnership has benefits everyone,” Chris Carter said.

“Parents who become more involved in schools have a sense of pride in children’s achievements, which in turn helps them to achieve.

“For schools, the benefits are strong support from parents and families for learning programmes and involvement by parents in activities outside the classroom. Teachers also feel supported and appreciated.

“Conversely, when problems arise, parents feel more confident in approaching the school with their concerns.”

Schools could do a number of things to strengthen partnerships with parents and whanau, including:

- Timely, regular and clear communication with parents
- Increased opportunities for parent participation and involvement in school activities
- Supporting and promoting different cultures of students in the school through dance, music, sport and language programmes
- Allowing time for interviews with school staff

Barriers to engagement with schools reported by some parents included difficulty getting time off work to attend events and parents’ own negative experience of school so that they lacked the confidence to approach school staff.

See www.ero.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media