PARENT’S GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

WILSON C. PINGUL The concept of parental involvement with the students and the school is a vital one and can produce great rewards for all concerned. There are two key elements that work together to make up the concept of parental involvement. One of which is the level of commitment to parental support. This includes such things as encouraging student, being sympathetic , reassuring and understanding . The other element is a level of parental activity and participation, such as doing something that is observable. This combination of level of commitment and active participation is what makes an involve parent.

The main benefit of parental involvement is the improved achievement of the student. Research shows that parent involvement in the school results in improved student achievement. If the parent shows concern, it will translate into greater achievement on the part of the student .This helps provide a bond between home experiences and the educational program. When parents understand how the child develops, they are better able to provide a more positive and exciting home environment.

Schools must understand that the lack of participation by parents does not necessarily mean they are neglecting their responsibilities. They are many reasons from the parent and also from the school for this lack of involvement. One of the reasons concerns the lack of understanding on non- traditional families on the party of the school system. The non- traditional is struggling to deal with the many factors that affect every member of the family. This can definitely affect the way that the family is able to involved in the students’ education.

If there has been a divorce or death in the family, there probably has been a change in the financial standing of the family. By the school not sensitive to this change, the student/family could be embarrassed. They, (the parents)may not have the time , resources, or know-how to help out. Parents may not believe that they have any knowledge that the school is interested in knowing. They feel that what they may have to offer is unimportant and unappreciated.

This is especially true when parents may not have the great deal of education. It is also possible that the parent does not have a great deal of interest in the school or his child’s education. Another reason for lack of involvement is embarrassment. The parents may be illiterate or unable to speak (well) in English, memories of parents’failure in school, shortage of time to help out.

Parents involvement in his child’s education is one way to develop parents- children bonded relationship, parents- teachers good communication and parents- school unity in the desire of the progress of children’s’ education.

— oOo— The author is Teacher III (ALS Mobile Teacher) at Sta. Monica Elementary School, Lubao North District