Parents as partners in learning blog
Parents and staff are often asking what can parents do to support the learning going on in school. Eric Burton flagged this site up - Clydewaterfront Education. It is aimed at teachers in the main, but I see lots of potential for it to give great inspiration and ideas that could be adapted for parents!
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At the National Conference for parents on 7 June in Glasgow, Fiona Hyslop stressed the importance of the involvement of parents in Curriculum for Excellence. Keir Bloomer, the keynote speaker at the event, also urged parents to become involved in the developments.
It was clear from the discussion that parents are at different stages in their understanding and knowledge of the changes.
On the Curriculum for Excellence website there is a presentation and handout which can be used to start parents thinking about why the changes are happening. Other parents will want more detail about what is happening in their particular area or school.
Over the past few weeks, I have been trying to pick up good examples of where Authorities and schools are engaging with parents. I have seen some great newsletters and events which try to explain the interdisciplinary approach of Curriculum for Excellence, as well as the four capacities. I am sure there are many more examples out there. Please share them.
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Tags: Curriculum for Excellence, Parent Councils, parents
One of the reasons I set up this blog was to share some of the good practice I knew was going on across Scotland in terms of parental involvement. This week, I had two experiences which gave me inspiration and encouragement. On Monday I took part in Glasgow’s Leadership event at Hampden Park. Parents - being encouraged to become leaders in their own schools and within their Authority, but also having a role to play in determining the type of leadership that Glasgow wants in its schools and in its departments. Not to forget their role as shaping children and young people as leaders of the future. There was a general engagement amongst staff and parents - where views were being valued and shared. Great stuff.
I then had the privilege to meet with Jan McGhie and Christine Percival from Strathclyde University’s Innovative Routes to Learning team. Parental Involvement seemed to be embedded in most of what they do, but I was particularly interested in the Study Skills for Parents events that they run for Secondary Parents - helping parents support their son or daughter’s learning. http://www.strath.ac.uk/irl/studyskills/studyskillsforparents/#d.en.84859
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I came across this on ted.com. What do you think? Is this what we mean when we think of learning at home. The most interesting bit for me are the comments from parents who have seen the video!
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There are some fantastic examples out there from parents, Parent Councils, schools, nurseries and Authorities where people are trying out new approaches, trying to find ways to reach out to work more effectively with parents.
Here are some examples which are I have picked up recently. They won’t work for everyone and every establishment but they might just give you that inspiration!
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My role as National Parental Involvement Coordinator at Learning and Teaching Scotland is to drive forward parental involvement in education in Scotland. To do that, I need to work in close partnership with all those who have an interest in developing and sharing practice in this area. I am keen to develop a strong evidence base of good practice from across Scotland which will demonstrate where parents and carers are effectively involved and are making a difference to children’s learning. I therefore want to hear from you and to use this blog as an opportunity to share, discuss and reflect. What has worked? What are the challenges? I will add a post which will highlight examples of promising, innovative or good practice. Please give me your examples and ideas. I look forward to hearing from you.
Lorraine Sanda
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