Relationships

Domain 3: Educationally Powerful Connections and Relationships

Parents and whänau are the primary and ongoing influence on the development, learning, wellbeing and self-efficacy of their children. So it is important that schools engage with them and involve them in school activities, particularly those that are focused on learning.

By establishing educationally powerful connections and relationships with parents, whänau and communities, schools gain access to a greater and deeper range of resources to support their educational efforts. In this way they enhance outcomes for all students, but especially for those who have been under-served by the system and/or are at risk, and can achieve large positive effects on academic and social outcomes.

Schools need to take agency in building relationships that focus on teaching and learning. Berryman identifies four principles that are important when engaging with Mäori communities:

1. identify who you are
2. build relational trust
3. listen to communities
4. respond accordingly.

Approaches that promote reciprocal, learning-centred relationships with teachers and the school positively influence student outcomes. Such approaches recognise, respect and value the diverse identities, languages and cultures of the school community, draw on its funds of knowledge, and make connections to students’ lives outside the school. Joint parent/whänau and teacher interventions that are designed to help parents or other community members support student learning at home and school while also engaging teachers in professional learning and development have the greatest impact of all.