Parent Involvement

[JAL]

I like the school my kids go to, but it seems like parent involvement means doing things for the school. I think parents like to help make some decisions and have some say. Schools are quick to ask for cupcakes or volunteers, but if you disagree with a policy, or want to help with major decisions they aren't always so excited about the involvement. PTA usually just means helping out but how do you ever get to have real involvement in the school?

[lcsamano]

That is a really good question. I am having a few problems with the school that my children are going to. When I ask how I can help I get told about the PTA. THe PTA is great don't get me wrong but I don't think working at a school book fair is going to help my child or anyones elses child read. I asked about tutoring for students. I got told that they don't offer tutoring for children. At times I feel hopeless but then I think about how the children are feeling not getting the help they need.

[JAL]

I've about decided that the best way to have a say in schools is the School Board. It seems that administrators and teachers are very concerned with the Board's name comes up. I've about decided the best way to have a say is either to be on the Board or to let them know what the concerns are.

[garth_la]

Come on JAL. Many teachers and schools would love to have some constructive and input beyond cupcakes and fundraisers. Find something you care about and try to help out. Teachers sometimes get tired of negative parents so they don't pay much attention to comments. But if you truly want to help, roll up your sleeves and go for it.

[lcsamano]

Originally Posted by garth_la

Come on JAL. Many teachers and schools would love to have some constructive and input beyond cupcakes and fundraisers. Find something you care about and try to help out. Teachers sometimes get tired of negative parents so they don't pay much attention to comments. But if you truly want to help, roll up your sleeves and go for it.

I am sure that they are tired of the negative parents. However, if you have a parent that is really concerned then they should listen. I am also sure that they are tired of the parents that don't get involved. However, a parent wants to get involved in their education not into selling cupcakes. I don't mind the PTA cause I know what they are doing is benefiting the children so they can have books and field trips. However, even if you want to "roll-up your sleeves and go for it" teachers dont always want the help.

[JAL]

That's my experience. Teachers don't really want any feedback or help with anything very important. If you can help babysit, they are all for that. I wouldn't mind "rolling up my sleeves?, but I'm afraid that means sweeping up or cooking.

[lcsamano]

My grandma used to volunteer at the school for a kindergartin class. She loved going and helping. However, when the principal saw that she was helping the children learn there were problems. My grandma was just doing what the teacher asked her and didn't deviate from that. The next day when my grandma went in to help, the teacher basically told her that she was only there to help watch the children, set up the groups (crayons, papers and make sure that there were enough supplies for the children to use) and then to help them to the bathroon. Needless to say my grandma no longer goes and helps the teacher, she wasn't there to me a babysitter but to help the teacher with those that are struggling.

[medako]

I think it's a fine line between helping a teacher in the classroom and helping a teacher help teach children that are struggling. It's really the "job" of the teacher (and occasionally the aide) to teach the children, and not that of a volunteer. Parents who want to help more in terms of teaching or assisting with actual lessons need to see about working (volunteering?) as a part time aide.

I can understand teachers needing more assistance when it comes to setting up group times and supplies or whatnot than actual teaching. One of the big concerns that comes to my mind is "is the parent trying to teach in the same manner/style as the teacher?". If not, it can be very confusing for a child.

Now, I can't see why a volunteer couldn't take on tasks like reading aloud time or an arts & crafts project. It would give the teacher a break and the kids a bit of a change of scenery, so to speak.

[becklyn]

My experience with parent helpers is that they are allowed to assist students who are having troubles. I have seen parents "roll up there sleeves" and help kids understand math, because the teacher is trying to help someone else who needs help as well. There is only one teacher for 20+ kids. The principal at the school doesn't mind because it gets parents involved with student learning.

A problem I have with some teachers who want parent volunteers is that they take it out on students whose moms can't come. They think that parents who don't volunteer are bad parents so their kids aren't as good as kids who have moms there every week. The kids who have moms there get extra attention and positives. Sometimes it isn't possible for parents to come but some teachers don't care they act like those kids are under class citizens. Teachers think you are a good parent if you come and not so good if you don't. Makes it hard for me to be positive about school