I could have titled this post “survey results” but I thought you might be more interested in finding out what parents need not one more compilation of useless information. So I don’t have the answers but I can help you find them.
Part of meeting parent needs involves surveying parents to find out what they need to be involved in their child’s education. Or so we think. Let me explain. I have seen several excellent surveys that ask what we think we need to know about parents. Do they help with homework? Have you volunteered in the school?
There are numerous school councils using surveys to ask parents in their school community what do they do as members of the school community. It is a tedious process that requires a lot of time and energy. Very motivated parents and principals work hard to put together a survey, distribute the survey, collect the surveys and then collate and analyze the results.
I have pushed the use of online surveys tool so I tried out Survey Gizmo to see if it could help find the answers using Internet technologies. The free version of Survey Gizmo is quite robust and so for testing purposes – it worked very well. With a little tinkering I was able to embed the survey into a post. The survey can also be accessed as a link. I could track the results daily and create a good looking and useful report of the results. It was a good test of the SurveyGizmo application.
For all those accustomed to doing surveys you have probably gone through the survey process and have had similar experiences. It comes as no surprise I did not get many results. But what I found was interesting. 25 people attempted to complete the survey. Thank you very much to 19 people who came but abandoned the survey. I am assuming that you left because you hate filling out surveys and did not see what was in it for you. I know I twisted your arm. One survey got caught in limbo and 4 people were successful in completing the survey. Here are the
Survey results.
The report is quite nice to look colours and all. I was relieved to find out one of the respondents would consider listening to the Parents as Partners webcast again.
I was amazed that 2 parents actually admitted ( by not selecting help with homework) that they did not help with homework. If it was me, I would certainly want people think that I did help my child do the homework even if I didn’t. ( character flaw)
But did I find out what would help them be involved? Some what.
Yes, one parent needed baby sitting services to attend events
One parent did not feel welcome
One did not know how to help with homework
One parent said that they were not involved because they did not feel welcome.
Now that is just 4 people and according to research methods that is not a good sample.
Where are the rest of the parents? It easy. All 4 respondents selected showed their support for sports and music lessons etc. That is where you will find parents. At arenas, in gymnasiums and soccer field supporting their children in a way that they know how. Tying skates, Cheering kids on. They are involved but not in ways educators may identify with supporting student achievement.
What is the answer then to getting parents involved? I don’t have them all but the most logical is to give parents some tools to help them cheer their children on in the classroom. It’s easy to tie shoelaces but to understand a report card and the nuances of the comments; to understand things like rubrics, curriculum even for the schooled it can be a challenge. Don’t assume anything. Parents just like children can have the same inhibitions about feeling foolish and not admitting they don’t understand.
When I say tools, try not to jump up and organize a curriculum night. The same 4 parents are going to show up. Does it make sense to keep on organizing events that don’t reach many parents? I heard Dr. Joyce Epstein pose this question. Why should only those 4 parents have all the information?
If you are going to do a survey, be sure to ask the best way to communicate with parents (email, student agenda, web site) and send them user friendly information. “How to understand the report card in 5 sentences or less.” Ask for feedback. I have heard many teachers say it is not my job to educate the parents. Teachers’ roles may not include teaching parents Grade 11 Math but listening to the people who rub shoulders with their children every day may help meet the needs of students.
At least that is my experience.
Do you remember my twisted you arm comment? Please share your suggestions for user friendly “curriculum news”.
