Families and schools assume mutual responsibility for children’s learning

SOME parents believe they have little to contribute to their children’s learning. The quotes, “it is the school’s job” and “I don’t have time” help illustrate this issue. This is a misconception. That parents don’t have time may hold water in some cases but that children’s learning is only the teachers’ job is not true.

Irrespective of wealth and class or whatever the parent’s personal skill level does not preclude a way to enhance learning at home. It may well be that the biggest challenge is helping parents think about, accept and value their critical role in educa- tion or what can be thought of as supporting parents to make education a priority in the home.

Owing to the personal contact and relationship that can be established with parents, teachers are in an ideal position to empower parents and to reach some of the families that are at high risk for having children who experience little school success due to learning difficulties and behavior problems. An important goal is to find a meaningful role for families and to support the families as they make a greater investment in their children’s learn- ing and school success.

Mothers and fathers influence children’s learning through the resources they provide their children and the home environment they offer. The emotional bonds they forge also matter. A secure bond or attachment to the parent helps the child manage behavior and learn. Making learning a priority in the home and the family-school relationship a priority for children’s academic success recognizes the significance of families and the contributions they make for children’s education.

Families and schools assume mutual respon- sibility for children’s learning. Both parties need to work together. Children need their parents to show an interest in them. Parents are responsible for setting a good example to their children and for devoting that most precious of resources- time- so that children feel treasured as individuals.

Schools do not exist in a vacuum. If they are to succeed, then parents have to put more effort into their parenting and into creating the conditions in which children come to school ready and willing to learn. Providing a child a community, a family with a good school teaches him or her that he or she is not worthless but valuable. Beverly C. Bacuso