I remember sitting at the kitchen table completing homework assignments and answering my parents’ questions about my day at school. Not too long ago, my mom and I were just reminiscing about how she would quiz me on multiplication flashcards every night so that I could make sure I received a star on our class tracking chart. I even remember the time when she went to Chicago for a few days leaving my dad to make sure that all homework was finished. I did the work and he checked every night to see that it was not only done, but correct. Despite the fact that they both had a career, they were never too busy to remember that I had homework. I recall them being very aware of what was going on in my classes not by emailing my teachers (it didn’t exist yet) but because they asked me.
Now, let’s fast-forward about twenty years.Â
That same little girl who diligently worked at the kitchen table is now a 5th grade teacher who assigns homework every night. Over the years, I’ve frequently overheard parents ask their kids, “What did you do today in school?” And the children responded, “Nothing.” One would hope that the parent would follow up and ask something like, “Are you telling me that you’ve been in school for 8 hours and didn’t do anything? I don’t believe that. What did you do in Reading class today?” And the child would then proceed to tell their parent about their lesson. However, much too often, that is not the conversation that follows.   In fact, frequently, that conversation simply ends.
My questions regarding why increasing numbers of parents seem to be unaware of what’s going on in their child’s class can most likely produce a slew of answers. Yet, there must be something that we as educators can do to promote healthy parent-student conversations that focus on academics. After all, parents are indeed a child’s first teacher. What is happening in our society in general that is fueling what appears to be an ever-widening gap between the home-school connection among some parents and children? Improving literacy rates is currently a hot topic in the Education arena and the controversial “No Child Left Behind” legislation was geared specifically towards students succeeding in school. Although all of this is important, much focus seems to be placed on what schools can or should do. Yet, I must ask, when are we going to start holding parents accountable for their child’s learning? In my opinion, something as simple as checking and discussing homework is a great way to begin.
Yes, I agree that dual accountability between both parents and teachers is the key to student success. However, there are no public school policies that I am aware of that require parents to review school work with their children after school. I am sure that there are some parents who realize the importance of their involvement with their child’s learning, but they may find it hard to carve out time in their busy schedule to provide quality “parent-as-teacher” time. Perhaps a solution to this concern could be to have the District or a school set a policy that required parents to provide the school with documented evidence of hours spent on school work at home.
Great perspective Ms. Orum. Documented evidence of hours spent at home doing school work would be an excellent way to boost the home-school connection. It would provide both parents and schools with one source of quantitative data and perhaps, open the lines for more in-depth conversations regarding academics in general.
Absolutely. Actively involved parents are key to driving both accountability in learning and the importance of educational diligence. Despite the hustle & bustle of today’s world, I am hopeful that parents will make time to both enforce academic responsibility and encourage academic excellence.
Ms. Harrison – it was refreshing to read your views. You are right. Educational diligence is an important component that fuels academic excellence. Just as some parents make time in their busy day for extra-curricular activities, I feel that more of that active involvement needs to be dedicated to academics also.
I believe that teachers as well as parents have a major influence on a student’s success. For example Mr. Livas had a positive effect on the class she taught 2003-2004. I was one of her classmates and believe that because of her perseverance, I was able to learn the curriculum of English. Teachers definitely have a major effect on students and Shelene Livas was one of them.
Thank you Luis! I appreciate your honesty and sincerity. Good luck in all your future endeavors. Keep working hard and doing your best.
I sinerely enjoyed reading this blog and the various responses. You are absolutely on target; it begins at home! Parents form children in every aspect of their lives, and education is at the forefront of this influence. I believe with absolute certainty that with the more educational responsibility and accountability the more educational success. Continue to ask the right questions and the right answers will be emerge!