Improving Parental Involvement in Children's Education

Almost everyday--in the papers, on the radio, on the street, in our homes--we hear statements about poor parenting, the underachievement of our children in schools, and often the perceived relationship between the two.  A week ago senior Ministry officials speaking at a public forum [see article on CoP homepage] in effect held up a stick in one hand, aimed at negligent parents who don't see to their children's educational attendance and needs, and an invitation in the other for parents to become more involved in their children's schools and educational life to their mutual benefit.We welcome this four-day opportunity to debate the relationship between parent investment in children's education and student's school performance, behaviour and other outcomes.  And moreover, we are interested in the role of the school and teachers in engaging meaningful parent involvement.  Everyone has strong opinions on this topic, so we look forward to a healthy exchange of these opinions.  We anticipate that the real-life experiences of many and the research of others will help guide us toward strategies to create more positive school-parent climates and strengthen relationships that will produce positive outcomes for children.So let's start off the debate with a discussion of the following questions:1.  Do parents need to be more involved in their children's education?2.  Do parents want to be more involved?Let's have your thoughts....Grace-Camille and Janet