Module 6 Comments

Michael,

I thoroughly enjoyed reading your reflection of the assigned readings. The Communities in Schools statistics are remarkable.  The success stories are an inspiration!  Programs to support learning and student success need to have the personnel that understand the importance of developing relationships.

“The suit teachers wear may not come with a cape, but it may be just the uniform required to help students see the light at the end of the tunnel and help them through a villain-like problem they are dealing with.  You may not be Superman or Superwoman, but you might have just enough power to get the job done.”  Not many words, but powerful statements that make you feel like you can achieve anything!

Adam,

 “Knowledge of our students' experiences and their impact of their family's culture on their opinions towards education need to be taken into account.” 

Thank you for the new perspective about school and community relationships. You are right, we have to know “where our students come from”.  Without an understanding of culture, parent expectations and experiences we are missing a valuable piece of a child’s education.  As teachers we must supplement, close gaps, and provide realistic and relevant experiences so our students see the light at the end of the tunnel.

This is an excerpt from your resource (New Hampshire Dept. of Education):

Research shows that students whose parents are involved in their education are more likely to:

• Adapt well to school
• Attend school more regularly
• Complete homework more consistently
• Earn higher grades and test scores
• Graduate and go on to college
• Have better social skills
• Show improved behavior
• Have better relationships with their parents
• Have higher self-esteem

If we could show this research to parents and teachers (not in a newsletter sent home), but in a meaningful, and supportive approach the delicate relationship that exists between school and home may flourish.