Macy Lorz

Section 2.1 Family Engagement

4.6.1 Describe the advantages and importance of family or caregiver involvement in learner
development

In the book, ​Home-School Relations,​ the authors Glenn Olsen and Mary Fuller address

that​ “​researchers have evidence for the positive effects of parent involvement on children,

families, and school when schools and parents continuously support and encourage the children's

learning and development (Eccles & Harold, 1993; Illinois State Board of Education, 1993)”

(Evidence 2.1.1). Parent engagement and involvement plays a major role in student and teachers

lives as well as their own.

While parents and teachers both benefit from family engagement, students are most

directly benefited. When parents are both supportive and active in their child's education, their

child tends to achieve more and become more motivated when it comes to grades, test scores, or

attendance. This ultimately leads them to experience success (Evidence 2.1.2). They will be

more willing to take risks in school pertaining to their learning because they are gaining a

relaxed, safe, and welcomed feeling that is encouraged by their parents. Teachers often have

trouble with students whose parents are not actively involved in their educational life because

they are aware of the lack of communication between their teacher and parents. However with

parent engagement, students tend to have positive attitudes, higher self-esteem, and more

self-discipline. When parents increase their interaction, they are always in the loop of things and

always informed of what is going on in their child's educational life. They gain an understanding

of what their child is learning in school and their school’s policies that affect their child's
education. When students need assistance at home with their school work they are able to get the

help they need at home from their parents, rather than waiting to ask their teacher about it at

school. Parents are also more understanding of the teachers job and teaching styles and feel more

comfortable addressing their concerns to the teacher. Teachers often gain a better understanding

of the student’s culture and background after finding out more from building rapport with their

parents (Evidence 2.1.3). As a result, teachers are able to see “under the iceberg” so they are able

to differentiate and make accommodations for those in need (Evidence 2.1.4).

The most important thing for teachers to take into consideration is how to get parents

involved and how to communicate information to them. Kritsa Davis, the director of district

communication for Olentangy, came to speak to our class about communication at district level

and how they get parents engaged (Evidence 2.1.5). Mrs.Davis shared that through the district

they communicate and send information through ​websites, emails, news stories, social media,

phone calls, hard copy newsletters, and marketing brochures. However, she suggested sharing all

information in a way that is the easiest way possible for most parents to receive it as well as

keeping it consistent. For instance, social media platforms are the most relevant to most parents

as it is the easiest and most efficient way for them to communicate (Evidence 2.1.6). Teachers

often create newsletters, for those parents who do not have access to the internet or media

platforms. They send them home at the beginning of each week or month that includes important

information for parents about upcoming events or reminders. I created a newsletter of my own as

an example of what information might be included (Evidence 2.1.7​). Another way to keep

parents in the loop of things would be to hold student-led conferences, which benefits both the

parent, students, and teachers. I created a sample outline to a student-led conference that explains
how it is more efficient and effective than traditional conferences (Evidence 2.1.8). Making sure

the parents know how their help is going to benefit is very important. They need to know how

their involvement is going to impact their lives as well as their childs in order for them to

become involved. It is important for teachers to show their appreciation towards the parents, like

a sincere thank you or note card. This will make the parents want to continue helping and being

involved. Furthermore, teachers cannot give up on trying to get parents involved. Showing their

dedication and determination is a huge step into family engagement.

Overall, family involvement is beneficial to all parents, students, and teachers. Parents

need to be both supportive and active in their students' educational lives. In doing so,

communication can be easily applicable and positive effects can be seen in students' learning and

development in a classroom.