This story describes Hale and Field, a high performing Minneapolis public school, which emphasizes parent participation. The school has a network of parent volunteers who are not only involved in helping their own children, but are part of the overall school support system. Parents' presence in school sends a positive message to students that education is the priority.
|
|
| Discussion Questions |
|---|
- What is the hallmark of Hale and Field?
- Why does it emphasize parent participation?
- What do parents do to keep Hale and Field's status as a high performing school?
- Why is parents' participation important?
- What aspects or challenges of school life can parents' participation facilitate or improve?
- Would parent involvement help with discipline and bullying issues?
- Would you like your parents or relatives to be more involved in your school life? Why or why not?
- Should Hale and Field look for people other than parents to build school community?
|
| Ideas for Action |
|---|
Getting the Facts
Invite students to do research on parent involvement in their school. The research may involve meeting with PTA groups and other school organizations. It may also involve creating a school-wide survey on parent involvement.
Parent Recruitment
Invite students to organize a parent recruitment event. They can present the results of their research, and organize a school-wide or class-wide event for parents to encourage their participation in school activities.
|