PARENTS ARE PARTNERS IN SCHOOL
ANNA MARIE D. BARTOLO
According to a very familiar African proverb, “It takes a village to educate a child.” It is a known belief and principle that education is everyone’s concern and business. It is truly a responsibility and accountability of the family, school, society and the person who is wanting to become an educated man.
In school, especially in public institution, linkages among its stakeholders is very vital. Parents, next to pupils are the most important stakeholders of the school. They are key stakeholders in education, who have the authority to hold schools accountable for their child’s learning. Parents are a crucial link between children and schools. They are significant partners in school. They influence their children’s attitudes about learning, and support learning at home. And when they become involved in the life of the school, they make our school better places to learn, grow and thrive. School strongly recognizes that pupils achievement and success increase when parents are welcomed and respected as partners, and given the support they need to contribute at home and at school.
Educators and parents generally agree that positive, supportive and open relationships between home and school, parent and teacher are desirable. In addition, parent engagement and successful parent-teacher partnerships result in improve educational outcomes for pupils. Furthermore, positive school climate can help professionals, parents, guardians and educators work constructively together to address concerns related to programs and services before they become source of conflict.
There are ways to sustain parents as partners in school. School shall encourage and maintain regular interaction between school and families. Everyone is treated with respect. The school culture develops a sense of community and caring relationships. Parents are involved in school activities. Everyone feels safe and secure.
The main benefactors of treating parents as partners in school are the school children. Because in this sense, both school and home will work hand in hand, will join forces collaboratively and will work as one toward the betterment, advantage and welfare of each and every pupil. In this case, pupils are the winners when parents are serving as partners in school.
-oOoThe author is Elementary School Head Teacher-I AT Sta. Teresa 1st Elementary School Lubao East District