Education Today: A Crucial Relationship And How It Improves Academic Outcomes
*Content provided by our sponsor Michigan Education Savings Plan.
By Sharlonda Buckman, CEO, Detroit Parent Network
As a parent organization that champions student success, Detroit Parent Network looked across the country to find the most innovative parent engagement programs that were moving the bar on academic achievement.
We decided to adopt the Parent-Teacher Home Visit Model from Sacramento, California due to its evidence based results. Data shows that when parents and teachers connect through participating in this program students attend school more, do better on tests, and are less likely to be suspended or expelled. As DPN piloted this program in Detroit Public Schools, we've continued to see similar results.
We're now servicing four schools with the nationally esteemed, family engagement model that builds trust and respect. Once parents and educators establish an initial partnership, they begin to play an equal role in that child's success. Sometimes parents are intimidated by their child's teachers or navigating the school environment, but after the educator shows up at their house that all seems to change.
Eighty one percent of parents agreed that they attend more school activities because of their participation in the program. Many parents don't know their children's teachers or school staff. When teachers and parents participate in this program, we've seen cultural barriers fall. We've seen commitment to children rise. And we've seen children surrounded by the care and attention of a team of adults who have their best interests at heart.
Hear what parents and teachers have to say about the program:
"I enjoyed the fact that we was able to sit down face-to-face and have that one on one conversation about my son." –Parent
"As a special education teacher I have visited with most of my students (homes). The visits were beneficial in helping me to better understand student learning and behavior. Great visits and comfortable situations." –Teacher
"Just being able to have the teachers come and visit. I didn't have that coming up as a child, so for my kids to be able to experience this is truly a blessing." –Parent
"I want to make the home/school connection to increase parent awareness of my expectations. I want to show my parents how to help their children with homework. I want to be sure that I reinforce parent concerns at school. " –Teacher
Find out more about Detroit Parent Network and join today! You can gain access to trainings, workshops, and parent support groups, among many other benefits. Find out more at http://www.detroitparentnetwork.org/ or on Facebook and Twitter (@DPNdetroit).
