Parent-teacher conferences have wrapped up, and with them, a reminder of the infinite impact our communities have on our students. From teachers, to coaches, parents, and siblings, the environment we create around each child influences their education in a way beyond books or test scores.
A large piece of this interactive environment is derived from parent engagement with the school system as children grow through their different buildings. Everything from assisting with homework, attending extracurricular activities, and listening to students when they have ambitions and concerns that need to be heard helps students know the work they’re engaged in is valued and important to those they hold dear.
According to A New Wave of Evidence, “When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.”
Additionally, the CDC says, “Research shows that parent engagement in schools is closely linked to better student behavior, higher academic achievement, and enhanced social skills.”
At Waterloo Schools, our teachers can see the positive impact of parental engagement every day within their classrooms.
“Students are so excited to share their goals, achievements, and pride binders with their families,” said Bridget Brandt, second grade teacher at Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence. “Knowing that their families will participate in conferences gives them an extra boost of confidence and excitement to their learning throughout the school year.”
The same can be said for potentially negative impacts students receive inside or outside the home.
“When a student does not have a family member actively involved in their schooling, the student is aware of this lack of engagement.” said Emily Nickel, second grade teacher at Lou Henry. “They may respond to a teacher’s redirections or consequences toward their negative classroom behaviors with defensive remarks, which can lead to that negative behavior continuing, causing further disruption.”
Teaching takes a community, and at Waterloo Schools, we want to help give educators and parents all the information and resources needed to succeed. Thankfully, parent-teacher conferences are just one piece of the puzzle – offering an opportunity to talk specifics about a student with teachers in a one-on-one setting.
“Parental involvement is collaboration between home and school,” said Hattie Graves, kindergarten teacher and team lead at Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence. “There can be a very high positive effect on students who have parents that are involved, and collaboration should build trust between all parties involved. Parents are powerful; they can provide teachers with insight and knowledge when the focus is on improving student achievement.”
We understand that not every parent can attend every parent-teacher conference, but we greatly appreciate the opportunity to get to know those in attendance, and encourage absent parents to make the time as often as they are able.
Together as a community, we can continue to lift our students up as they show the world how bold they can be.
