Supporting Student Success through Authentic Partnerships: Reflection from Parents and Caregivers. Equity by Design

Abstract

When schools engage parents and caregivers as authentic partners in children's learning they begin to break down traditional barriers that have existed between home and school. Parents and caregivers from historically marginalized groups have expressed feeling unwelcome, disrespected, and devalued at school. Although many are involved in the students learning process at home their contributions are rarely acknowledged and, they are forced to either engage in a school-centered form of parent involvement or not at all. Parents and caregivers that feel valued, heard, and respected by schools become part of a strong partnership that benefits everyone especially the students.