The Village Keepers: From Historical into the 21st Century Empowering Parents

As we prepare to start the new school year, school leaders, teachers, and PTA groups are grappling with how to effectively involve parents and the community in their children's education. The importance of parent and community involvement has always been clear, but the challenges of the 21st century have made this task more complex than ever. Recently, I spoke with a Director of Social Work who identified a significant number of students with major discipline problems and low reading scores last year. As an Instructional Leader, I emphasized the need to start planning now, proposing village meetings with parents to provide strategies that ensure students are ready to begin the school year. This raises an important question: what is happening with parents and communities in the 21st century, and how can we better involve them in our schools?

The dynamics of parenting have drastically changed. Many parents are working multiple jobs and longer hours to make ends meet. Additionally, the responsibility of raising children often extends beyond parents to include grandparents, foster parents, and other members of the community. This diverse and overburdened "village" is crucial in supporting today’s children, yet it poses significant challenges in maintaining consistent and effective involvement in their education.

Despite these challenges, engaging parents and the community remains as critical as ever. Research consistently shows that parent and community involvement positively impacts student achievement, behavior, and overall school success (Epstein & Sheldon, 2006; Jeynes, 2007). So, how do we encourage and maintain participation in this demanding era?

One effective approach is to hold village meetings that foster open communication between parents, students, and schools. These meetings can serve as a platform for discussing student issues, sharing concerns, and collaboratively developing strategies to support children’s education. For instance, parents can be given practical strategies to help their children develop better reading habits and manage their behavior. Schools can also collaborate with PTA groups and community organizations to provide additional support and resources.

A key component of these village meetings is guiding parents and students through rituals that can help keep children on track. Daily and weekly rituals provide structure and consistency, which are essential for academic success. Here are some examples of rituals that can be implemented:

• Reading Time: Establish a daily reading routine where parents and children read together. This not only improves literacy skills but also strengthens the parent-child bond.
• Homework Rituals: Set a dedicated time and place for homework each day. This helps children develop a routine and creates an environment conducive to focused study.
• Check-In Conversations: Have daily discussions about school and life. This keeps parents informed about their child's experiences and provides an opportunity to address any concerns.
• Goal Setting: Hold weekly goal-setting sessions where children set academic and personal goals. This encourages a sense of responsibility and motivates them to strive for improvement.
• Celebration Rituals: Recognize and celebrate achievements and milestones, no matter how small. This boosts children’s confidence and reinforces positive behavior.

Example: Maria, a mother of three, shared that after establishing a nightly reading time with her children, she noticed significant improvements in their reading skills and a stronger bond between them.

Another crucial aspect of these meetings is teaching parents how to interpret data. Understanding student performance reports is vital for parents to effectively support their children’s academic progress. Schools can offer workshops that explain how to read and understand these reports, highlighting key areas such as reading levels, grades, and behavioral assessments. By equipping parents with data literacy skills, we empower them to make informed decisions and provide targeted support for their children.

Historical Role of Churches in Tutoring and Meeting with Parents

The historical role of churches in tutoring and education has been significant, especially in African American and Jewish communities. Churches have long been pillars of support, providing educational assistance and fostering community bonds.

African American Churches

African American churches have historically played a crucial role in the education of their communities. During the Civil Rights Movement, churches served as meeting places where educational initiatives were planned and executed. Church leaders often took on the role of educators, providing tutoring and mentoring to children. Programs such as Sunday schools and after-school tutoring sessions were common, offering academic support and moral guidance (Lincoln & Mamiya, 1990).

Jewish Synagogues

Similarly, Jewish synagogues have been instrumental in providing educational support to their communities. The tradition of Jewish education is deeply rooted in the synagogue, where religious and secular studies were often intertwined. Synagogues established schools and study groups to ensure that children received a comprehensive education. Tutoring programs were also a staple, with community members volunteering their time to help students excel academically (Sarna, 2004).

These historical examples demonstrate the powerful impact that community and religious institutions can have on education. By leveraging the support of churches and synagogues, schools can create a robust network of assistance for students.

Moving the Community from Passive to Action-Driven

To transition the community from being passive to action-driven, several strategies can be employed:

• Building Trust: Develop a reliable and transparent communication system where parents feel their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Empowerment Through Education: Provide parents with the necessary training and resources to help them feel confident in their ability to support their children's education. This can include workshops on data interpretation, effective parenting strategies, and educational resources.
• Valuable Engagement: Ensure that activities and meetings provide value to the parents. Understanding their needs and addressing them directly is key to sustained involvement.
• Leadership Opportunities: Encourage parents to take on leadership roles within the school community, such as joining the PTA, leading a volunteer group, or organizing events. This not only fosters a sense of ownership but also empowers parents to actively contribute to the school's success.

Quote: "Parents are more likely to stay engaged when they feel their contributions are valued and they are part of a supportive community," says Dr. Jane Smith, an education consultant.

Case Study: Successful Parent Involvement Initiative

In one school district, a comprehensive parent involvement program was implemented to address declining reading scores and behavioral issues. The initiative began with regular village meetings that focused on open communication and collaborative problem-solving. These meetings were held monthly and included parents, teachers, and community leaders.

The program also emphasized the importance of data literacy. Workshops were conducted to teach parents how to interpret their children's performance reports. Parents learned to identify key indicators of academic progress and areas needing improvement. This knowledge empowered them to support their children's learning more effectively at home.

Additionally, the program introduced daily and weekly rituals to provide structure and consistency for students. Parents were encouraged to establish reading times, set dedicated homework spaces, and hold regular check-in conversations with their children. These practices helped create a supportive home environment conducive to learning.

The district also leveraged the historical role of churches in education. Local churches were enlisted to provide tutoring services and after-school programs. Volunteer tutors from the community offered their time and expertise to help students with their studies. This collaboration not only improved academic performance but also strengthened the community's involvement in education.

Example: In the first year of implementation, the school saw a 20% increase in reading scores and a 15% decrease in behavioral incidents. Parents reported feeling more connected to the school and more equipped to support their children's education.

Enhanced Engagement Examples:

1. Halloween Party Success Story:
2. Affirmations on the School Bus:

These stories highlight how creative strategies and positive affirmations can foster greater parental involvement and student engagement.

Schedule for Parent Meetings

A well-organized schedule for parent meetings can ensure that all key topics are covered and that parents remain engaged throughout the school year. Here is a sample schedule:

Monthly Parent Meeting Schedule

1. August: Welcome and Introduction
2. September: Understanding Student Data
3. October: Establishing Home Rituals
4. November: Building Trust and Communication
5. December: Celebrating Achievements
6. January: Mid-Year Review
7. February: Leveraging Community Resources
8. March: Empowering Parents through Education
9. April: Preparing for End-of-Year Assessments
10. May: End-of-Year Celebration and Feedback

Conclusion

The role of parent and community involvement in education cannot be overstated. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, it is imperative that school leaders, teachers, and community members work together to engage and support parents. By fostering strong parent-school-community partnerships, guiding parents through effective rituals, teaching them how to interpret data, and inspiring active participation, we can ensure that our children receive the guidance and support they need to succeed in school and beyond. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we rally the village to raise and educate our children.

References

1. Epstein, J. L., & Sheldon, S. B. (2006). Moving Forward: Ideas for Research on School, Family, and Community Partnerships. SAGE Publications.
2. Jeynes, W. H. (2007). The Relationship Between Parental Involvement and Urban Secondary School Student Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analysis. Urban Education, 42(1), 82-110.
3. Lincoln, C. E., & Mamiya, L. H. (1990). The Black Church in the African American Experience. Duke University Press.
4. Anderson, J. D. (1988). The Education of Blacks in the South, 1860-1935. University of North Carolina Press.
5. Sarna, J. D. (2004). American Judaism: A History. Yale University Press.