Supportive parents and a highly engaged community are key to the success of a well rounded education, according to a new report released by the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth (ARACY).

 

Minister for School Education Peter Garrett said new research has found schools that encourage parents and the wider community to be involved in students’ education lead to better results in overall student performance.

 

“Teachers are, and will always be, the most important people inside the school gates but parents have a hugely important role to play in shaping their child’s education,” Mr Garrett said.

 

The report was commissioned by the Family-School Partnership Bureau which is jointly operated by the Australian Parents Council and The Australian Council of State School Organisations.

 

Mr Garrett said it will be valuable to governments, parent organisations, schools and other stakeholders looking for guidance on the value of parental engagement, and how to achieve it.

  

The report outlines the following strategies to improve parental engagement:

  • Principal and teachers supporting parents,
  • Building consistent trusting relations between the school and parents,
  • A clear and shared understanding of the roles of parents and teachers,
  • Strategies focused on the needs of the local community, and
  • A variety of communication options between parents, teachers, the school and the wider community.

 

The full report can be found here