Entry #7: Even in achieving middle schools,
parent involvement can be frustrating
Taunton, MA -- "What makes up the land mass of the Bahamas?
" The question was posed by Tyler, our 7th grader as he was attacking
the questions given by his Social Studies teacher at Martin Middle School.
I was out the door to the monthly Parent Teacher Partnership meeting while
Corinne and her mom dealt with the "home" work. Oma, as we call
her, was here for a week to see New England with us and she was a welcome
assistant with the nightly workload.
I couldn't help but think we were setting a good example of parent involvement
with the homework assistance and PTP attendance. Of course, this is much
easier for us on the road as I'm getting PAID to be involved.
Like many middle schools, Martin assigns around 1 1/2 hours of nightly homework.
During the "Expectation Night" last month, approximately 85% of
Martin's parents signed the Family, School, Community Partnership Compact
pledging to "check to see that my child completes homework assigned"
as well as participating in school events like the PTP meeting. The Compact
signing is part of the plan by B.E.S.T. to encourage parents to take more
interest in education.
Along with the parent-teacher conferences next month, the desire is to get
EVERY parent through the doors with meaningful participation. The conferences
take two evenings and an afternoon but are a vital part of the communication.
I hope every middle school either has schoolwide conferences or is in the
process of implementation.
Another pledge in the Compact is to read notices sent from the school. Martin
makes that easier with Tuesday designated as the day for students to bring
home materials. Sure enough, last Tuesday we received an invitation for
"Parents Night Out," an evening of music and dancing without the
kids. (We'll have to pass as we travel to New York City that weekend)
BEST also provides the weekly agenda/planners that all students have. Back
at my home school, we've had these for years but according to Ian, my 8th
grader, these are much easier to use. Major efforts are being made to involve
all parents, especially those reluctant ones that seem to make up the majority
of our communities.
As expected, the place to find strongest parent participation is still on
the practice field. With the cross country team numbering over 50, the adults
are a welcome addition and a half dozen can be found following the team
on runs and providing encouragement. Volunteer head coach Mike O'Handley
(also a parent) was pleased that Ian and Tyler showed up; they finished
first and 3rd for the boy's team in their first race.
I found out that Martin has been nominated by Brown University as a National
Forum "School to Watch". They have a unique schedule on a six-day
rotation; they've won numerous science awards and raised student test scores
thanks to innovative ideas like the Saturday Tutorials starting again in
January. All students are invited from 9 a.m. to noon and a high enrollment
is anticipated.
Still, I am encountering the same frustrating attitudes that permeate middle
level education. Families are told that they are an "integral part
of the the school experience" but in actuality are much less "integral"
than they were in the elementary years. They don't know how to be involved
and are often confronted by a system that doesn't know how to use them.
It may well be that the most effective way to produce involvement is simply
by direct invitation as is done by the administration. All committees, including
the school based Councils, have parent representation with meaningful power
and influence.
Asking for help is how the homework got finished. Once Tyler had Oma assisting
him, he was able to find all the answers in the book- -oh, except for that
one about the Bahamas. Maybe we should take a side trip down there to find
out.
Til next week,
Darrell
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COMMENT from a reader:
I wonder if the parents at this school are really any less knowledgeable
than the ones from the last school. Or, could it be the "powers that
be" were just smart enough at the last one to use the knowledge that
was available. I realize the new testing has this state buckling down on
basics,but maybe those parents could use their individual talents to help
in some ways. Dodie