To actually reach the standards, we'll need to add another element: sustained parent engagement. The Missing Piece of the Proficiency Puzzle (developed in 2007 by the Commissioner's Parent Advisory Council) identifies six key elements of meaningful work to engage those crucial participants:1. Relationship-building
2. Communications
3. Decision-making
4. Advocacy
5. Learning Opportunities
6. Community Partnerships
All six elements matter, and in the coming week, I'll think out loud about how Kentucky might get started on using each one to move students toward meeting our new clearer and deeper standards.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteParents ARE the crucial participants because they are in the education improvement process for the long haul with their children, long after others pay attention to the standards and move on. Schools need to pay attention to the Missing Piece objectives and work through them in the order they are presented, starting with relationship-building. Parents, too, must obtain the information and skills to work as partners with the schools to improve student achievement. Both parties have work to do. I believe parents are up to the challenge. I hope schools will focus some energy on this, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Susan for putting the Missing Piece in the spotlight. Schools can't do it alone and as well, parent involvement is not an option but a responsibilty.
ReplyDeleteSteps to sustain this kind of needed partnership can be found in the Missing Piece where schools can critique their current practices; and with intentional efforts, identify meaningful parent engagment strategies that have a sharp focus on improving student achievment.
I look forward to hearing more ideas on how each Kentucky stakeholder can best use these objectives to ensure students gain a deeper understanding of the new standards. It will indeed take us all.