Potential Pitfalls:
What To Watch For
New programs, or changes to existing ones, will inevitably bring uncertainty. It takes time to get programs off the ground, and, as they evolve, there are always potential pitfalls to avoid. For optimum success, keep in mind the following:
- Teacher training: Provide adequate inservice so teachers aren't confused about the role parents play in the school. Without such discussions, involvement experiences for both schools and parents may be very dissatisfying (MDET, 1994). Parents need to feel that they are valued partners making a worthwhile contribution to the school.
- Burnout prevention: Avoid taking advantage of the generosity of any volunteer or staff member. Inevitably, there will always be a few people who are willing to work above and beyond the call of duty. While this is helpful to the school, it can lead to burnout for some of the school's most ardent supporters (Decker, Gregg, & Decker, 1996).
- Student safety: Make certain that guidelines are in place to ensure student safety at all times (Decker et al., 1996).
- Crisis control: Address problems as they occur and work as a team to solve them; do not ignore them.
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© 2001
Date of Last Update: 09/19/2001
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