A Set of Principles for Successful Parent Advocacy – Principle Three – Be a Partner
Website design By BotEap.comThis is the third and final principle in this series on parenting advocacy. Part of this comes from my last 25 years in education and part from interviews with parents I’ve met through work, conferences, parent meetings, day care centers, and my children’s school. I have had the honor of meeting some wonderful parent advocates and our principle this time is one that I have watched these people practice more than ever.
Website design By BotEap.comPrinciple Three: Be a Contributor to the Process.
Website design By BotEap.comWhat is a taxpayer?
Website design By BotEap.comA contributor is someone who adds to the efforts of others towards a common goal. I see parents who expect all the effort to come from a school team to meet educational goals and criticize them if they don’t meet them. If a parent contributes to the process, they are doing a lot of things. Here are some examples I have seen through the actions of successful parent advocates:
- Volunteer to spend time in the classroom as an aide once a week.
- Attend team meetings and be available to be aware of decisions being made at the school.
- Seeking grants and foundation funds to obtain necessary classroom equipment and software to support curriculum modifications for your child.
- Seek ways to contribute to exploring answers to treatment issues and special needs rather than criticizing decisions that have been made without your input.
- Demand excellence but be willing to share ideas, time and some personal expense if possible to achieve it.
- Realize that they, as parents, are experts in their child’s needs and behaviors at home, but also respect the fact that needs and behaviors may be different at school and that staff and specialists may have reports different that are still accurate.