Involving parents in the school improvement process is a key strategy to ensure the success and sustainability of the innovation. Parents are important stakeholders who can provide valuable input, feedback, and support for the school improvement goals and strategies. Some of the ways to involve parents in the school improvement process are:
• Communicating effectively and frequently with parents about the vision, mission, goals, and progress of the school improvement plan. This can be done through various channels, such as newsletters, emails, websites, social media, or parent-teacher conferences. The communication should be clear, transparent, and respectful, and should invite parents to share their opinions and concerns .
• Inviting parents to participate in the school improvement planning team or committee, or in subcommittees that focus on specific aspects of the plan, such as curriculum, assessment, or resources. Parents can contribute their perspectives, experiences, and expertise to the planning process, and help identify the needs, strengths, opportunities, and challenges of the school community .
• Providing parents with opportunities to learn more about the school improvement strategies and their benefits for students. This can be done through workshops, webinars, or online courses that explain the rationale, evidence, and implementation of the strategies. Parents can also learn from other parents who have experienced or witnessed the innovation in action .
• Encouraging parents to support their children's learning at home and in the community, by providing them with resources, tools, and guidance on how to do so. For example, parents can help their children set goals, monitor progress, complete projects, or access online materials. Parents can also reinforce the skills and values that are fostered by the school improvement strategies .
• Recognizing and appreciating parents' involvement and contribution to the school improvement process. This can be done by celebrating their achievements and successes, providing feedback and recognition, or offering incentives or rewards. Parents can also be invited to showcase their work or share their stories with other stakeholders .
These are some of the ways to involve parents in the school improvement process. By doing so, schools can build trust and partnership with parents, and enhance the quality and impact of their innovation.
