No school can work well for children if parents and teachers do not act in partnership on behalf of the children’s best interests.

                The graduation fever eill soon be subsiding and everyone of us in the teaching environment looks forward to the next school year. There is one question often asked but never satisfactorily answered and this is “ How can we improve school – parent partnership for the sake of the children? “

                One of the responsibilities of a teacher is to involve parents in the activities of the school. For many teachers this seems a burden because most parents are busy and requires more responsibilities but if done well, provides many advantages. It can improve pupils performance and achievements as well as the school’s atmosphere.

                Forging partnerships may seem different at the onset because not all parents are cooperative or easy to engage and constant struggle may ensue. On the positive note getting parents more involved in childrens’s education will redound to an improved interaction. Here are some ways to build effective school parent partnership.

1. a.Have some dedicated staff members and teachers to liaise between parents and school.

Appointing one school home link worker who on one hand is approachable, well engaged and not judgemental. He should also have the confidence and support of the school.

1. b.Improve communication between parents and school staff.
2. c.Develop one on one relationship between parents and staff.
3. d.Help parents understand more about what their child does at school.
4. e.Organize parents evening with teachers to identify potential problems.
5. f.Involve parents in decision making.
6. g.Seek their views on the various ways things are done in the classroom, set up a parents’ forum.
7. h.Encourage parent support groups that will help them get involved in their children’s learning activities.
8. i.Celebrate success with them by communicating the successes of the school and pupils.
9. j.Build their own self confidence and skills by organizing informal get together and other learning programs.
10. k.Make use of their skills and experiences.
11. l.Install a complaints mechanism to address complaints positively.

These simple guides will promote good relationships between parents and school.

By: Christine Joy Q. Cabral | Teacher I | Limay Elementary School | Limay, Bataan