Three Keys to Increasing Parent “Voice” in Your School

At times we often forget about the positive “power” of an individual “voice”. We strive to include students in multiple facets of decision making and leadership throughout our school communities. Yet, at times we forget about another sub group that holds the key to empowering success. I am referring to our parents.  I’ve come to the realization that there are three key ways to increase parent “voice’ in our schools.

Foster parent organizations with purpose and direction: We all have parent organizations and parent support groups, but how often do we truly “empower” them to lead out change in our schools? Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) which fund raises for the school has shifted their focus, in part, to 21c.  Last year they funded ten mini grants so that teachers could begin using iPads in their classrooms. This year they are supporting our efforts to increase student engagement and leadership by supporting the Leader in Me initiative. They are making a difference by seeking out ways to broaden their positive impact on our school community. Our Parent Involvement Team (PIT) is taking parent perspective into consideration when researching books for our Book Discussions (Not Much Just Chillin': The Hidden Lives of Middle Schoolers and Whale Done!), or what topics we should consider when hosting seminars. They are sharing their “voice” in new avenues to promote a greater understanding of how they can support the school community.

Invite parents to become members of your school’s Leadership Team: It is a very simple idea with profound potential for growth and involvement. Procuring parent voice on this key leadership team tells them that their voice matters in key decision making opportunities. I believe it is vital to the success of your school to have parent voice as part of the decision making process (when applicable). Parent insight and perspective will provide your team with additional resources. We've invited parents to join our Building Improvement Group (BIG). This team is responsible for making key decisions for our school, and parent voice is a necessary facet within this leadership team.

Help parents connect with Social Media: Even though we've become BYOD schools, our students are engaged with Social Media, and we too are journeying into the realm of Twitter, (and Triberr, Apping, Blogging, and a myriad of other Social Media venues), our parents on the other hand may still be in the early stages of learning about the Twittterverse. Therefore, we must reach out to our parents and parent groups and help by providing Parent PD. By helping parents begin the journey into Social Media, we can give worth and merit to their voice in another venue. As part of beginning our Parent Twitter Chat (#FHMchat), I learned that parents needed a little assistance in getting started with the chat. So, I’m hosting a Twitter Training Session later in October.

So, the next time student, teacher, or administrator “voice” becomes the topic of discussion, go ahead and mention “parent voice"- we need to be proactive and include parent voice in multiple areas within our school communities.