1. Parents Support Group iSpark Consortium

2. Our Beliefs Parents know their children best, they are the best agent in educating their children Students learn best when they have parental support Students actually perform better when their own parents are involved in their children’s school activities (Cotton & Wikelund, 1989).

3. Beginning Observation….. Teachers observed that parents have high expectations of their own children but lack strategies for dealing with gifted students at home Gifted students have common problems e.g. learning only the subject they are interested in, refusal to do homework

4. Parent Support Group Objectives: –To create a communication channel for parents to share parenting strategies –To enhance the partnership of parents in the education of gifted and talented students. –To provide a platform for parent education in the area of gifted and talented

5. Structure of PSG EXCO – chairman, vice chairman, secretary, treasurer Class Representatives

6. Activities run by PSG so far PSG briefing on new cohort of parents Focus Group Discussions – “My son is NOT achieving!!!” Family Outing – Newater Plant Sharing during Parent-Teachers Symposim/Gathering Participate in some school or consortium events e.g. harmony cup, racial harmony day, national day, Students-led Conferencing

7. Coordinators’ Roles in PSG Facilitate and coordinate events as set in this meeting. Provide a platform of support for other parents esp. the Sec 1 parents. Communicating with parents periodically by providing relevant information of school events.

8. Effective Parental Involvement Focus on solutions Shared Strategies Networking and support Consistent communication with the PSG co-ordinators

9. Some upcoming events… 3 May, HCI Open House GE Conference 2008 14/7 – 18/7 Student Led Conferencing mid Sep iSpark nite (Term 4) Consistent communication with the PSG members

10. PSG 99 -Appreciation Nite Students-Led Conferencing iSpark Graduation Night GE Open House