 romoting Responsibility
Strengthening School-Home Training
Despite the connection between higher achievement and family involvement in schools, educators need assistance in planning to effectively engage large numbers of families in school.....
—Joyce Harris, Director
Equity Center, Oregon
Schools and the educational process foster personal growth and critical thinking and comprise a significant element of socialization. Adults both in and out of the classroom exert powerful influence on children's learning and other experiences. Thus, the relationship between school and home plays a significant role in achieving school goals.
Although school staff are becoming increasingly aware of the important role parents assume in collaboration with schools, most staff still find it difficult to involve some parents in school activities. Although many parents have limited time, they can still support the work of schools in meaningful ways, such as reading with their children, helping with homework, reinforcing the importance of becoming educated, and attending school meetings and events that fit their work schedules.
In order to develop an effective school-home relationship, school staff and families need to clarify what each expects from the other, and delineate who is responsible for different aspects of student development. Schools cannot accomplish their multifaceted aims without the ongoing support and involvement of parents and the extended community of educational stakeholders.
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