My post from yesterday about President Obama's call for a "New Era of Responsibility" sought ideas from readers about how policymakers and schools could encourage parents to do their jobs better. (I offered some of my own ideas in today's Education Gadfly.) And Flypaper readers did not disappoint. Here are some comments I found particularly insightful.
Joanne Jacobs writes:
Poorly educated parents can't help their kids write a research essay or solve an algebra problem, but they should be able to set a time for homework or reading, enforce a bedtime, limit TV on school nights, teach manners and self-control to their children. Most can read aloud to young children or listen to them read.I think most parents would pay attention to parenting advice from the school if it were offered in a clear manner. I envision a DVD sent home with examples of how to read aloud with a child, perhaps how to discuss a TV show with a child.
As more parents become "wired," schools should be able to improve communications dramatically. If Jayden is late for school, send a Tweet or text message to Mom's cell phone.
And Chris says:
Learning takes place inside and outside of schools. Creating a transparent set of expectations for all adults who come into contact with students raises the level of consciousness about who is responsible for doing what. Take a look at what the community of Kalamazoo Public Schools (Michigan) created to raise the awareness of responsibility: http://tinyurl.com/caa9kr
I like Joanne's ideas a lot; I suspect many parents (yes, including poor parents) are hungry for information, and would act upon it if presented in clear, compelling ways. And if United can send me an email or text message when my plane is late, surely a school could do the same for parents of tardy children. (No doubt some already do.)
And the Kalamazoo example is promising, though that appears to be more of an effort to get parents and the community involved in the governance of the school district. While important, it's somewhat different from what I'm concerned about here: helping parents do a better job parenting, which in my mind is separate from getting involved in advocacy.
Have more ideas? Keep ???em coming!
