Five Ways To Change Your School’s Culture
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Six to ten hours a day, five days a week, 180 days a year… do the multiplication and addition and remind ourselves that our children spend hundreds of hours at school… more than they spend (awake anyway) with us. Is that environment everything you want for your child? Don't feel powerless… here are five simple ways to begin having a greater stake—and say—in your school's culture. Starting tomorrow.
One: Make involvement realistic and achievable. It's the biggest key to ensuring a relationship with the faculty and staff at your child’s school. Involvement can mean a time investment (volunteering in classrooms, for the parent teacher organization, at the “school improvement team”) - but if giving time is not possible, involvement can also mean being invested in your child’s education. Find out what your child is studying, follow up when they get home on what the day's expectations are, and support the creation of space and time to follow through with those expectations. Utilize other supports (older siblings, caregivers, after-school programs) to create a broader culture of investment in learning.
Two: Cultivate real relationships. Step one: A positive relationship goes a long way. Dedicate yourself starting tomorrow to know the names of your child's teachers, staff, bus driver and principal. Step two: Set the intention to have a collaborative relationship to support the best interest of your child. Ask the teacher how you can contact her/him in order to stay in touch with your child’s progress. Does the teacher use email? Can you call? Is there a weekly newsletter that goes home? Are there office hours that you can drop by? Say the words, “I want to work together, as a team, in making sure that my child has the best possible year!” Step three: Remember to thank. A note or call when your child’s teacher has said or done something that make a difference can go a long way!
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThree: Offer helpful information about your child. Don't forget that you're the expert on your child - what makes them your tick, what they respond to, and what motivates them. Give teachers the relevant information they might need to work with your child. If there is a loss in your family and your child is affected, let the teacher know that they might be “off” that week. If your child has a particular disability or learning style, articulate that, with ideas about how to best work with your child. Not only does this help the teacher know your child better, it reinforces a team approach.
Four: Don't go negative. When difficulties arise, before reacting in a defensive and critical way, assume positive intent from your child’s teacher. If, as parents or caregivers, we react in a judgmental and accusatory manner, others will follow suit. If you want a teacher to treat your child with compassion and respect, you must treat the teacher and school leader in the same way. Instead of responding critically, first attempt to frame the conversation in a positive and constructive way. “It sounds like my child was really difficult today and that you were frustrated! How can we work together at helping her have a better day tomorrow?”
Five: Become an advocate for change. Above all else, work for positive change in your child’s school. Demonstrate relentless commitment to the idea that the school can and will be the best school possible. Encourage school leaders to articulate their mission and vision, and create a culture for open dialogue and positive change. Ask questions, make suggestions, engage other parents in your efforts. Continue to hold firm to the belief that an excellent public education is the fundamental right of every child in our community. Be a part of creating that change!
