Reaching Hard to Reach Parents

TL;DR

Overcoming barriers to student achievement by engaging parents through a welcoming school environment and non-threatening activities.

Transcript

hello my name's Jean Burris my careers focused on overcoming barriers to achievement I led work on this for example for the former national strategies we know from research that one of the biggest barriers to achievement for many children is like a support at home experts like Professor Charles de for which have taught us that where parents get inv... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Engaging parents can significantly impact student achievement.
• 👨‍🏫 A welcoming school environment is essential for parent involvement.
• 👪 Starting with non-threatening activities can initiate parent engagement.
• 🤩 Gradually transitioning to academic-focused activities is key for sustained involvement.
• 👪 Regularly sending positive messages home can change parental perceptions.
• 🧑‍🎓 Meaningful conversations with parents can enhance student progress.
• 👪 Understanding parents' perspectives and interests is crucial for effective communication.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is engaging parents important for student achievement?

Engaging parents is crucial as research indicates it can significantly boost student attainment. When parents are involved in their child's learning, academic success often follows.

Q: How can schools create a welcoming environment for parents?

Schools should focus on making parents feel comfortable by offering inviting spaces, non-threatening activities, and community-centered initiatives to foster engagement.

Q: What are some effective ways to involve parents in their child's learning?

Starting with non-academic, non-threatening activities such as art workshops or family days can initiate parent involvement, gradually leading to academic participation and curriculum-focused activities.

Q: Why is it important to send positive messages home to parents?

Sending praise postcards or texts about a child's achievements can change the narrative for parents who may have had negative school experiences. Regular positive contact shows parents that the school values their child's success.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Engaging parents is crucial for students' success, as research shows it can boost attainment by up to 17%.

• Schools should create a welcoming environment for parents, starting with non-threatening activities and gradually moving to academic involvement.

• Regularly sending positive messages home and having meaningful conversations with parents can enhance student outcomes.