1. Developing Positive Partnerships What expectations should you place on schools and teachers?
Parents and Teachers

2. Parental engagement in learning and schooling: Lessons from research.
A report by the Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth for the Family-School and Community Partnerships Bureau.
Dr Lance Emerson
Josh Fear
Dr Stacey Fox
Emma Sanders

3. Objective of Report
Examine available evidence on the relative influence of home and school on learning outcomes.
Specifically, it has been suggested that the relative influence of the home on student achievement is per cent, while the school accounts for per cent.

4. Non-school’ factors can include fixed variables such as genetic predisposition, family background, social status and location, as well as factors amenable to change, such as the level of parental engagement in learning and material resources available to support learning
Nevertheless, there is strong consensus, supported by a variety of evidence dating from over 40 years, that positive parental engagement can and does significantly influence student academic attainment

5. International research has shown that parental engagement
(of various kinds) has a positive impact on many indicators of student achievement, including:
higher grades and test scores,
enrolment in higher level programs and advanced classes,
higher successful completion of classes,
lower drop-out rates,
higher graduation rates, and
a greater likelihood of commencing postsecondary education.

6. Beyond educational achievement, parental engagement is associated with various indicators of student development. These include:
more regular school attendance,
better social skills,
improved behaviour,
better adaptation to school,
increased social capital,
a greater sense of personal competence and efficacy for learning,
greater engagement in school work, and
a stronger belief in the importance of education.

7. Parental Engagement in School A Positive Parent – Teacher Relationship
A positive parent – teacher relationship helps your child feel good about school
It demonstrates that you trust the teacher
Makes a child feel like the important people in their life are working together
Foster a love of learning

8. How do you develop a relationship that is positive?
As parents you want the best for your children
Teachers’ best asset is parents
Children spend a lot of waking hours with a teacher!!!
How do you develop a relationship that is positive?

9. Respect
Problem solving rather than confrontational
Teachers who feel supported are more likely to give their best rather than being scared of offending or doing the wrong thing
Don’t talk negatively about a teacher in front of a child
Assume good will on the part of the teacher
Respect a teacher’s schedule

10. Communication
Both sides
Not just Parent/ Teacher Interviews
Early in the year
Leave your baggage at the school gate
Timeliness

11. Organising a Meeting
When setting a meeting state the purpose
Prepare questions before you go
Positive attitude during meeting
Don’t accept, ‘They are doing fine’.
Make sure that you understand the information
Expect transparency

12. Questions to Ask Academic, Character, General Well Being
Is my child performing at grade level?
What information do you have to support your marks?
What are my child’s strengths?
What are my child’s weaknesses?
How can my child do better?
Has my child been doing their homework?

13. Questions to Ask
Is my child organised?
Is my child doing their best?
Does my child ask for help when it is needed?
What are they learning?
What are they struggling with?

14. Questions to Ask
Does my child get along with others?
Does my child participate well in groups?
What can I do to encourage my child to read?

15. Meeting Concentrate on determining a positive course of action
Set goals
How can you share responsibility?
Follow up

16. Difference between Care and Excuses
Don’t make excuses for your child
Teachers will make mistakes
Hold your child accountable

17. Questions