PSS starts campaign on parental-involvement

Parental-involvement is given another serious look in public schools as officials consider their major role in child’s learning.

Dubbed as PASS or Parents Accountability for Student’s Success, two campaigns will commence this month using the broadcast medium and related efforts inside the classroom

Frances Sablan, who is hosting Tao tao Tano aired over the Marianas Cable Vision, will use her talk show in gathering educators and parents in one venue.

Board member Anthony Pellegrino is also spearheading the parental campaign on campus.

According to Pellegrino, based on his visits to both private and public schools, an alarming contrast on parental-involvement confronted him. Teachers in private schools knew 90 percent of parents of students they are handling. While PSS teachers knew only a handful.

He furnished school principals with literature on ways to improve parental-involvement and will make another survey in May.

However, PSS is not alone in this quest to solicit parental support.

A recent study published by the Pacific Resources for Education and Learning (PREL) identified the many barriers in making that connection with parents.

Findings from interviews made in the Pacific region revealed that there is no clear picture of what family involvement means. Their undefined role keep parents as outsider. It is also not aligned with the local cultures. In the Pacific, attending school activities does not carry as much weight as participating in village feast.

The issue of maintaining rapport between parents and schools was given emphasis. Parents are often called when there is a problem. The study said this can be discouraging for parents.

Schools should also pay attention in scheduling meetings. In many instances, siblings do not attend the same school and this should be considered in arranging appointments.

Cultural barriers also play a major role in the breakdown of parental involvement. Differences in language and beliefs often get in the way in rallying their support for learning. Also, the pattern of teacher-parent communication may be perceived as THEM vs. US, schools often tell parents what to do, the study said.

Physical conditions in the home likewise create difficulty. For instance, there is no area set aside for parents to help children with their school work.