Family engagement doesn’t depend on one factor. When teachers feel frustrated about the “absent parent”, we remind them that those parents, caregivers, and families might be dealing with everything from socioeconomic issues and language barriers to long work hours.
Research tells us that when schools, districts, educators, students, and families work together, students are more likely to succeed. So it’s critical to understand the unique challenges of family engagement.
Why are parents not engaged?
Socioeconomic Factors:
Some families face financial challenges that pull them every-which-way. Making academic engagement a priority is difficult when some are struggling to make ends meet.
Cultural Differences:
Every child is a world that includes the cultural imprint of their families and social context. Differing cultural expectations can cause a rift between families and teachers.
Language Barriers:
If your student’s parents don’t speak the language of instruction, they will not be able to easily communicate with teachers and administrators, much less understand their student’s schoolwork.
Time:
It’s not uncommon for caregivers to juggle work (sometimes multiple jobs), household chores, child and elderly care, long commutes, and a multitude of tasks and worries. Following up on their child’s schoolwork is another demand that often gets pushed down the line.
Teacher Time:
Educators are slammed with needs – from students, administrators, school districts, and families. Without a strategic communication system and administrative support, teachers struggle to have personalized communication with families. One teacher might have up to 150 students. Finding the bandwidth to engage with so many families is a monumental task. If there aren’t structures in place to help that happen, it can’t happen.
Educational Background:
Families and parents who haven’t completed a high school or formal education might feel like they can’t help their child academically.
Communication:
How do your families receive information? Are they connected? (Don’t assume so!) Will they read texts? Does your school print materials in different languages? Limited communication channels limit communication. Your families can’t engage if they aren’t informed.
In the next blog, we’ll discuss how to develop and implement meaningful solutions to parent engagement challenges. Strengthen relationships with parents to improve student engagement and educational outcomes.
