How is it defined?
Research consistently demonstrates how parental engagement in a child’s school life is a critical factor impacting the child’s educational outcomes (Castro et al., 2015). Schools serve as an important hub of activity for families who may, in turn, lend contributions to the school community; as such, welcoming practices that effectively integrate parents and caregivers into the school community should be considered (Siegel et al., 2019).
The Learning Bar’s Parent Survey is based on a framework developed by Joyce Epstein designed to foster positive relations between school and community (Epstein et al., 2002). The survey covers parents’ perceptions of their children’s experiences at home and school, as well as the extent to which parents feel the school supports learning and positive behaviour and promotes a safe and inclusive environment.
Why is it important?
- A welcoming school climate can determine whether or not parents entering the school feel generally supported (Siegel et al., 2019).
- Parents are more likely to become involved if they perceive that school staff and students want and expect their involvement (Green et al., 2007).
- Schools can drive student success by facilitating ongoing, bidirectional communication and socialization between schools and families (Downer & Myers, 2009).
How do we measure it?
In OurSCHOOL, parents and caregivers respond to five items concerning how welcome they feel in their child’s school. The results are reported as “the percentage of parents and caregivers who feel welcome”.
References
Castro, M., Expósito-Casas, E., López-Martín, E., Lizasoain, L., Navarro-Asencio, E., & Gaviria, J. L. (2015). Parental involvement on student academic achievement: A meta-analysis. Educational research review, 14, 33-46.
Downer, J., & Myers, S. (2009). Application of a developmental/ecological model to family– school partnerships. In S. L. Christenson, & A. L. Reschly (Eds.), Handbook of school–family partnerships (pp. 3-29). Routledge and Taylor & Francis.
Epstein, J. L., Sanders, M. G., Simon, B. S., Salinas, K. C., Jansorn, N. R., & Van Voorhis, F. L. (2002). School, family, and community partnerships: Your handbook for action (2nd ed.). Corwin Press.
Green, C. L., Walker, J. M. T., Hoover-Dempsey, K. V., & Sandler, H. M. (2007). Parents' motivations for involvement in children's education: An empirical test of a theoretical model of parental involvement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 99(3), 532-544.
Siegel, A., Esqueda, M., Berkowitz, R., Sullivan, K., Astor, R. A., & Benbenishty, R. (2019). Welcoming parents to their child’s school: Practices supporting students with diverse needs and backgrounds. Education and Urban Society, 51(6), 756-784.