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Author: Wherry, J.H.
Publisher: The Parent Institute
Publication Date: 1996
Publication City: Fairfax Station
Publication State: VA
Full text available online at: http://www.parent-institute.com/educator/resources/10things/10things.php
Abstract (written by WestEd):
Wherry gives concrete examples of each of 10 ways for building parent involvement. We know how to make parent involvement work in any school for very little money, using proven, tested ideas.
The 10 ways to succeed are:
- Help parents understand why they are so important to their children's school success.
- Give parents specific things they can do.
- Work to win parents' endorsement of the school program.
- Give parents the specific information they want.
- Know how to get parents to read what you send home.
- Provide staff training and support for parent involvement.
- Provide training and support for parents.
- Recognize and reward exemplary parent involvement.
- Ensure your success by making a plan.
- Adapt ideas that have worked for others.
The five ways to fail are:
- Think of yourself as the main parent involvement person at your school.
- Think of parent involvement as something that only happens when parents are in your school building.
- Try to build positive attitudes among parents by just using newsletters, memos, and other media.
- Keep on thinking that children from 'broken' or 'disadvantaged' homes do not have the benefit of parent involvement (often, there are extended family members or others who will help the child).
- Write parents off as apathetic and uninterested after you repeatedly provide programs for them and invite them to come to school, but they don't show up!
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