We’re not doing enough to engage parents, even though it improves achievement
These days, the battle over public school is more pitched than ever. A veteran journalist told us that, in a 30-year career, he’s never covered an issue that provokes as much disagreement and rancor as education.
But although it receives less attention than more hot-button issues like teacher evaluations or charter schools, there’s one strategy everyone in education should agree on: the importance of high-quality family engagement.
Beverly Goliday is a prime example. Goliday is a Memphis parent and is the primary caregiver for her six grandchildren. She was always involved in her grandkid’s schools, but it wasn’t until our Stand University for Parents class “Understanding Student Data” that she learned how to read their test scores. And the results weren’t promising. Her grandchildren, only in elementary school, were all already a year or more behind in
Graduates of Stand University for Parents in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo courtesy Stand for Children)
But although it receives less attention than more hot-button issues like teacher evaluations or charter schools, there’s one strategy everyone in education should agree on: the importance of high-quality family engagement.Beverly Goliday is a prime example. Goliday is a Memphis parent and is the primary caregiver for her six grandchildren. She was always involved in her grandkid’s schools, but it wasn’t until our Stand University for Parents class “Understanding Student Data” that she learned how to read their test scores. And the results weren’t promising. Her grandchildren, only in elementary school, were all already a year or more behind in
