Liana Putkaradze Principal of LEPL Tbilisi #133 Public School Improving trust towards school through parent and society participation in school life Liana Putkaradze Principal of LEPL Tbilisi #133 Public School

Why is parent involvement so much important? Pupils whose parent is involved in educating his/her child have higher academic achievements. When parents are involved in school life pupils have more positive attitude towards school and themselves and have more belief in their abilities. Pupils whose parents participate in school life have better relationships with teachers.

“Parents’ involvement” means joint and continuous responsibility for pupils’ achievements and improving learning both at home and at school. “Parents’ involvement” in school: Regular, diverse communication with parents Parents’ active participation in pupils’ learning Parents’ active participation in various events.

Principal’s role Greatly prioritizing parents’ engagement in school life Actively engaging parents in school life and in pupils‘ learning through various activities Principal’s and teachers’ frequent group and individual meetings with parents Listening to parents’ opinions and providing them with recommendations.

Implemented projects “Math family day”- this activity gives pupils opportunities to reveal knowledge and math skills obtained at school. Hence, parents have opportunity to see what their children learned in math at school. Fathers’ participation is very much important.

”Reader’s Clubs” At a primary stage one day is devoted to “Reader’s Club”. In an exciting environment volunteer parents, grandparents, children, senior pupils, teachers read together and discuss books appropriate for pupils’ age. In the classroom there are exhibited pupils’ paintings and notes based on the impressions from reading various literary works. Photos of theatre performance based on read literary works.

School administration organizes fun competitions for pupils and parents to reveal those members of “Reader’s Club” who know best works of various writers covered during a particular week. Winners get prizes and exciting diplomas

With parents’ assistance pupils created a book of literary works read and discusses in the club

Positive effect of “Reader’s Club” Pupils start having positive attitude towards reading books, their social and collaborative skills and habits are formed, their literacy level is enhanced, and self-assessment is boosted. Parents understand their children better, they pay more attention to child’s social, emotional and intellectual development needs, they become more caring and participate in their children’s upbringing and educating with more pleasure. Parents have more positive relationships with their child’s teachers, have fuller information concerning the child’s situation and timely take measures in case of problems.

Tradition- lectures for professional guidance We invite volunteer parents of various professions who deliver lectures and seminars to their children’s classmates. In this way we form in pupils positive attitude towards different professions, assist them in learning more about some particular professions. We use parents’ knowledge and experience as intellectual resource for developing pupils learning and social skills.

Parents’ and pupils’ meetings with famous and exemplary people

Sports activities “Fun Starts” with parents’ participation

Open-door lessons, conferences and presentations with pupils’ participation Parents are invited in order to introduce to them innovative approaches and new methodology, in this way parents are enabled to understand how to assist their children in doing homework.

Concerts Parents have opportunity to perform various things with their children. Moreover, they are invited to watch plays and events with pupils’ participation.

Excursions with parents’ participation Parents participate in planning various sports and intellectual games.

Positive outcomes of parents’ involvement Improved academic achievements Good conduct of pupils Parents’ increased trust towards school and teaching Assisting pupils to study in an environment where parents are treated friendly, are respected and valued Perceiving school and teachers as partners in their children’s learning and developments Giving parents multiple opportunities to participate in school work Parents’ frequent communication with school staff Obtaining useful information from school which contributes to their involvement During the last three years doubled number of pupils (from 600 up to 1200 pupils)

Thanks for Liana Putkaradze Attention!!!