ENGAGEMENT, WHAT PARENTS CAN LOOK FOR IN AN ENROLMENT INQUIRY
THE QUESTION OF A SCHOOL’S POSITION ON ENGAGING FAMILIES
As parents embark on the journey of selecting the right school for their child, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the school’s commitment to family engagement. Research consistently shows that a strong partnership between families and schools contributes to improved student outcomes and overall well being. To ensure that a school truly values and prioritises family engagement, parents should equip themselves with insightful questions that go beyond surface-level responses. In this article, I delve into key indicators of a school’s commitment to family engagement, provide strategic questions for parents to ask, and offer cautionary warnings about stock answers that may not fully embrace the theme.
Indicators of a School’s Commitment to Family Engagement:
Before delving into the questions parents should ask, it’s important to recognise positive indicators that showcase a school’s genuine dedication to family engagement. These indicators can serve as a preliminary guide in evaluating potential schools:
Open and two-way Communication Channels: Schools that actively maintain open lines of communication with parents, through regular newsletters, online portals, and interactive platforms, signal a commitment to involving families in their child’s education journey.
Family Engagement Opportunities: Schools that host regular family events, workshops, and seminars demonstrate their effort to foster a sense of community and involve families in various aspects of their child’s learning.
Parent-Teacher Collaboration: Schools that encourage and facilitate regular meetings between parents and teachers, where meaningful discussions about a child’s progress take place, exhibit a strong partnership for student success.
Inclusive Decision-Making: When schools involve parents in important decisions about policies, curriculum, and school initiatives, it reflects a commitment to respecting and valuing their input.
Parent Volunteering Opportunities: Offering diverse opportunities for parents to volunteer within the school environment indicates a desire for active family engagement.
Home-School Resource Sharing: Schools that provide resources, tips, and strategies for parents to support learning at home display an understanding of the collaborative nature of education.
Strategic Questions for Parents:
To take a deeper dive into a school’s commitment to family engagement, parents should ask specific questions that shed light on the institution’s practices and philosophy. Here are six strategic questions to consider:
How is Family Engagement Integrated into the Curriculum? This question explores whether the school sees family engagement as an integral part of the learning process, demonstrating a commitment to involving parents in their child’s educational journey.
Can You Share Examples of Recent Family Engagement Initiatives? By asking for specific examples, parents can gauge the school’s recent efforts and creativity in engaging families, providing insights into the variety of opportunities available.
How Do You Support Parent Engagement in Decision-Making Processes? This question highlights the extent to which the school values parent input and their role in shaping policies and practices that affect students.
What Strategies Are in Place to Ensure All Families Feel Welcome and Included? Inclusive practices are vital for effective family engagement. This question reveals the school’s commitment to creating an environment where diverse families feel valued and respected.
How Do You Measure the Impact of Family Engagement on Student Success? Schools dedicated to family engagement should have methods in place to assess how such engagement positively affects students. This question shows the school’s focus on outcomes.
What Resources and Support Do You Provide for Parents to Extend Learning at Home? A school’s commitment to supporting learning beyond the classroom is evident in the resources they offer for parents. This question emphasises the holistic approach to education.
Cautionary Warnings for Parents:
While it’s crucial to ask probing questions, parents should also be cautious of stock answers that may not reflect a genuine commitment to family engagement. Here are some potential pitfalls to watch out for:
Vague Responses: Be wary of vague statements without concrete examples or details. A school’s commitment to family engagement should be reflected in specific actions and initiatives. “we are what we do”
Limited Opportunities for Engagement: If a school only mentions a single annual event or minimal volunteer opportunities, it may indicate a superficial approach to family engagement.
Disregard for Feedback: A school’s unwillingness to consider or incorporate parent feedback into decision-making processes could signal a lack of genuine partnership.
Lack of Investment: Schools that allocate minimal time, resources, or professional development for staff on family engagement may not prioritise it as a core value.
Token Gestures: Be cautious if a school simply offers occasional parent meetings or events without integrating family involvement into daily practices and policies.
Overemphasis on Academics: While academic excellence is important, a school that solely focuses on test scores and academic achievements may undervalue the holistic role of family engagement.
In conclusion, when seeking school enrolment for their child, parents should prioritise assessing the school’s commitment to family engagement. By understanding positive indicators, asking strategic questions, and recognising cautionary warnings, parents can make informed decisions that align with their values and aspirations for their child’s education.
A school that genuinely embraces family engagement is likely to provide a nurturing and enriching environment that fosters the best possible outcomes for students.
Tony Dalton is an independent Family Engagement Consultant
