IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT IN EDUCATION

According to Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is success, and working together is success.” Indeed, this adage simply essential in education especially the parents’ partnership in the school environment. One of the important things to strengthen nowadays in education sector is the role of parents in the school community. Communication is the main factor to achieve quality instructions among learners. There is a need of flexible communication between the parents and teachers for the success of learners’ education. Parental engagement increases opportunity for schools by bringing the parents into the educational process. In many studies proved that the involvement of parents in school gives improved and enhanced parent-teacher satisfaction. There are many ways to reach out with parents such as parent-teacher conferences. Teachers can also use the technology using phone and other social media platforms. In this way, the parents have the chances to ask for their learner’s progress, standing and behavior in school setting. It also builds positive connections between parents and teachers to improve children’s academic achievement, social competencies, and emotional well-being. When they work as partners, children do better in school and at home. To establish good rapport, parents need to cooperate with the teachers within the school community. Since teachers are the second parents of learners in school, they can ask or monitor their children’s progress through Group Chat or Messenger. This platform will serve as an information dissemination among teachers, parents, and learners to the important concerns in school matter. Aside from the information, it can be used as an easy communication purpose for the school activities and completion of the requirements of the learners. It is necessary to reinforce good communication status among parents. The willingness and attitudes of parents are also consider main factors for their children’s education. On-going, proper, and effective communication allows them to build understanding and trust. When parents and teachers care and trust each other, they will be able to work together to support their children’s well-being and holistic development. That is why every interaction with parents, is one way to strengthen partnership with them to achieve common goal. Finally, the collaboration and cooperation will lead them to reach success and victory toward achieving quality education. It reminds us to be ready always that teamwork and exchange of ideas between teacher and parent is a must.

-oOo

The author is Teacher III at Malauli Elementary School, Masantol South District