Parent and Community Engagement
The Importance of Parent and Community Engagement
Research has shown that the most important factor to student success is parent involvement followed closely by teachers and peers. With understanding the important influence family has on student success, it is necessary to understand the barriers each family faces and how those might affect student success. For example, if a student's family members have attended residential school and been subject to abuse or neglect in residential schools, they may carry the effects of trauma and therefore mistrust school and educators.
As a result of Canada’s history with residential schools it is important to recognize how this might impact a family and community’s perspective and approach to school and education. Educators and community members can make accommodations as suggested below in an effort to be sensitive to the traumatic history many might have faced in schools.
Recognize and acknowledge the personal history and intergenerational trauma that parents and community members hold in their beliefs/feelings/perceptions of school and how this may affect students.
Create opportunity for alternate spaces and neutral places to meet with parents and community members outside of school to engage in conversation. Consider places like local coffee shops.
To view a resource on Trauma Informed Facilitation practices Click HERE
Work with parents and communities
"We believe that Indigenous parents and Indigenous communities must have the opportunity to implement their vision of education. Indigenous children are entitled to learn and achieve in an environment that supports their development as whole individuals. They need to value their heritage and identity in planning for the future. Education programs, carefully designed and implemented with parental involvement, can prepare Indigenous children to participate in two worlds with a choice of futures. Indigenous people should expect equity of results from education in Canada."
Foothills School Division is providing an opportunity for Indigenous parents, students, community members, and educators to join an Indigenous Advisory Committee. Please contact your local school, division office, or the Indigenous Learning Facilitator to provide your voice and collaborate with FSD.
(RCAP Chapter 5: Education page 415)
UPDATE: Next Indigenous Advisory Circle will be April 19th 6 - 7:30pm @ OHS Potluck Style (only bring a snack to share if you are able)
March 22nd will be postponed until April 19th after the spring break
It is important to recognize the different family structures that exist with some indigenous families, often the contact parent for a student may not be the biological mom or dad.
The Principal in a school is most commonly identified as the most important connection to the community.
Practical Applications
Above all else, above agendas and curriculum outcomes, focus on building reciprocal, safe, and caring relationships with Indigenous students, families, and community members in your school.
Ask caregivers, guardians, and parents what the preferred method of communication is. Keep the following in mind:
There is limited cell service on Eden Valley Reserve.
Many families also do not have internet access, or have unreliable internet access.
Family structures vary and may change from time to time.
When you have a working phone number for a family be sure to have it updated within Edsembli.
Seek to understand. Ask questions to assist understanding of what barriers exist to family involvement and try to create innovative ways for families and communities to get involved and engaged in student’s education.
Possible questions:
Why they chose to send their students to this school.
What they hope the student will learn at school?
What they expect from you the teacher?
What is the preferred method of communication? What time of day is best to reach them?
These answers will help you to begin developing strategies for building effective parent partnerships. Some possible methods of engagement include:
after school social events (tea and bannock)
field trips to local cultural events
volunteer opportunities tied to cultural teachings
Ways Families Can Engage with FSD
There are numerous ways that families can become more involved with the community of FSD.
WHO to connect with:
School principals
FSD Indigenous Learning Facilitator
School teachers and learning coaches
School support staff
HOW to get involved:
Attend School Council meetings
Volunteer with upcoming events, celebrations, and assemblies
Support cultural workshops, seminars, and learning within your school community.
Join the Indigenous Advisory Council
Engagement, Support, Success
Advancing Reconciliation: Resource for School Councils
This guide supports promoting parent engagement in public education.
View a complete PDF Version HERE
Resources included in this document are:
Explanation of terms
Treaty Map of Alberta
Alberta Treaties 6,7, and 8
History of First Nations Peoples in Alberta
History and Legacy of Residential Schools in Alberta
Overview of Canada's Truth & Reconciliation Commission
Advancing Reconciliation: Relationships