Without parental engagement in schools, the educational process is certainly incomplete. That is why so many after-school programs, including The Village Method, have perfected their family engagement methods. In consequence, research has shown that student success increases considerably, all thanks to the presence of parental engagement in schools.
From staying in school to earning higher grades, the child’s education and academic achievement have both been impacted positively. Considering the fact that systemic racism in education is extremely prevalent, it is encouraging to take a look at the benefits of parental engagement in schools.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why family engagement activities are a necessary component of student success. If we can engage parents the right way, the possibilities of closing the achievement gap are endless.
Parental Engagement in Schools Facilitates Two-Way Communication
Parent involvement should be widespread in all school matters, regardless of the families’ socioeconomic status. In fact, educators and various other school partners must fully involve parents in things such as the learning process, as well as the common challenges that their children might encounter. This sense of shared responsibility can be a clear response to systemic racism in education.
Parent engagement activities are a rare opportunity to build relationships and encourage family and community involvement. Here is a brief list of things that educators should keep in mind to increase parent engagement:
- Focus on the families’ culture, expertise, and strengths
- Make sure that the school climate is positive
- Ensure that racial injustice in the classroom is addressed in a respectful and mindful way
- Learn from families and trust that they know better when it comes to their children and their African ancestry
- Acknowledge systemic racism in education and use it as a catalyst for better academic achievement
Open communication leads to better parent engagement. School leaders who are promoting parent engagement need to pay close attention to the efficiency of the communication between educators and families. Student achievement is at stake here.
Parental Engagement in Schools Encourages Learning at Home
Family engagement activities rely on total parental involvement. The road to academic excellence doesn’t have to be similar to diving into the great unknown. In fact, the pandemic has shifted things by encouraging family-school partnerships to come to fruition.
A never-before-seen phenomenon, family engagement activities soon became the norm. Unlike before, parents got involved in the educational process and got first-hand experience of how their children interacted with both their educators and their peers.
Furthermore, they were able to regularly help them with various projects and even with homework. This kind of authentic parent engagement was proof that families could help with learning at home. All they needed was the confidence to get involved and the ongoing communication with the educators.
Systemic racism in education was as impactful as ever before the pandemic. In fact, nondominant families are treated at best as spectators of the work of schools. We believe that the gap between home and school has been bridged by the pandemic. It is our duty to make sure that this beneficial connection will stand the test of time.
Parental Engagement in Schools and Empowerment
Engaging parents can be empowering. The Critical Race Theory is either banned or limited in several states. Teachers are still showing signs of apprehension when it comes to discussing race openly and honestly.
Even during Black History Month, things continue to be difficult. The history of our people is deliberately being silenced and replaced with a version of events that fails to empower our children. For this reason, after-school programs are taking matters into their own hands while intensively promoting family engagement activities.
Both families and children can learn about the African way of living, explore the untold stories of their ancestors, and become empowered thanks to their newfound knowledge. Culturally responsive after-school programs provide alternatives that sustain parent involvement and raise questions that need urgent answering.
Our Children Need Parental Engagement in Schools
However, we need to have a say regarding what our children are being taught. The curriculum needs to be revised and Critical Race Theory should definitely be widespread. The fact that our people’s voices are continuously stifled is a clear red flag.
The vital role played by family engagement activities is recognized by after-school programs. It is time for school districts to focus on parent involvement. Student behavior will improve, academic achievement will flourish, and our children will become empowered and aware of their African ancestry, once and for all.
The Village Method is dedicated to bringing parental engagement closer to young scholars and their families. We believe that parents are experts when it comes to their children’s needs. It takes a village to raise a child, according to the ancient African proverb. This is our definitive motto.
It is our mission to build villages of academically successful children. For that, we’ll need your help. Get involved now and lend a hand to our children. The adults of tomorrow need your support!