Chapter 3: Families and Communities

Resolved: Partnerships between teachers and families can improve the learning of students.

            Although not everyone may think so, it is widely believed and shown that learning is enhanced when parents of the students get involved with their schooling and work with the teachers to bring their child to his or her full potential. While in school, teachers work to create an environment where children can learn freely and be successful academically. However, if a child then goes home and their parents are not involved in their schooling, and do not make school seem important and valuable, it may be difficult for that child to have the desire to achieve in school. Within a school setting, many issues and problems reflecting the diversity in students may arise, ranging from religion to the learning of the English language. All potential crises and problems can be resolved or even avoided if a partnership is present between the teacher and parents. Communication is a key aspect to education, and typically results in higher test scores, better grades, better behavior and better self-esteem in students. However, students are not that only ones who can potentially benefit from a healthy partnership. If teachers receive positive feedback from parents, it can increase their morale and satisfaction, pushing them to be an even more effective teacher. Parents can also become closer to their children through helping them with schoolwork, as it provides their children with support and shows their children that they care. In the vast majority of cases, partnerships between teachers and families reap positive benefits for everyone involved.