More than 50 years of research and evidence-based practices have proven that when families and educators work together, children do better in school. Working collaboratively with school staff adds to everyone’s achievement and benefits the school, your family, and most importantly, your child.
You have a lot to offer, as families are an important part of the school community. There are many ways you can partner to improve educational outcomes, even if your work or family schedule prevents you from attending meetings and events in person. Here are some ideas of how you can bolster your participation in your child’s education.
- FAMILIES TO THE MAX https://tinyurl.com/f2max (“F2MAX”) – Join the PA Statewide Network in bringing family voice to education. F2MAX is a group of families, like yourself, and some service providers who network, swap stories and resources, attend free trainings and events (most offered virtually), and teach and empower family leadership. Participate at your level of interest and ability; there is no obligation or required time commitment.
- Participate in School and Community Groups
- School Board Meetings - Attend and provide public comment, either through email or in person, on achievements, suggestions on improving the school’s practices and outcomes, or questions about curriculum, district and school policies, and ways you can contribute.
- PTA/PTO/HSA (parent/teacher or home/school organizations) - You can make a difference by having your voice heard. Learn more at the National PTA https://www.pta.org/ or check with the school’s administration office. Likewise, see if your school or district has a group for families of children receiving special education services. If not, ask parents to help you start one that focuses on positive ways to partner with your school and community. Invite educators and community representatives to join and collaboratively improve student achievement and school success.
- Your local Right to Education Local Task Force (LTF) - Every IU in Pennsylvania has a group of dedicated, involved families, educators, and community representatives that discuss how to improve special education in your local area. Ideas, concerns, and suggestions are then shared with the PA State Task Force.
- Offer Family Support
- Skills and talents of family members - Do you or a family member have experience in an area of study, like being a scientist or an artist? Talk to your child’s teachers, administrators, and counselors about how you can share that information with students, faculty, and other families.
- Support your child’s education at home - Ask teachers for ways you can provide consistency between school and home. If you and school staff do or say the same thing, or use the same tools, technology, or communication method, that will help your child learn.
- Engage Your Child
- Communicate about school - Ask your child to share their favorite thing they are doing in a class. Try to avoid asking, “What did you do in school today,” because you’ll most likely get the universal student answer, “Nothing.”
- Support IEP engagement - Have your child participate in their IEP process in any way that is appropriate and comfortable for them. See PaTTAN's Student-Led IEP Process to see how this is possible for any child, at any age, with any disability.
- Speak with your child, as you feel is appropriate, about their skills, talents, their differences in learning style, and need for extra help in school. Encourage them to build and grow their self-advocacy skills, confidence, and independence, and to become leaders in their education and future lives. Explain what their IEP is and how it helps them and their teachers.
- Help them become familiar with some words and phrases in their special education journey and what they mean with regards to their IEP.