Exploring A Systematic Level of Engagement With Kathy Robson
“We Need to Include Parents in Education” -Kathy Robson, Deputy Director, Chinook School Division, Swift Current, SK
Parent engagement is something that touches all corners of our childrens’ education, of our educators’ experiences, and the lives of the families within the school landscape. While learning, unlearning, and making change is powerful and important at all levels of education, the impact is profound when key individuals and various levels work together to create tangible change.
As we work to bring parent engagement into the mainstream of the school landscape and inspire educators and educational leaders to welcome families into the teaching and learning of their children, we’ve seen remarkable progress that can only be achieved through change and commitment at a systemic level. From our Leadership Institute on Parent Engagement in Saskatoon to our Walk Alongside International: Parent Engagement Think Tank, we have come together with decision-makers and leaders who have the passion and influence to inspire a “gentle revolution” within their communities.
We’ve connected with teachers and administrators who are passionate about parent engagement, aware that their potential impact is enhanced when they share goals and an equal commitment with leadership. As such, we’ve delved into the important work of engaging leaders in this work who will bring stakeholders of all roles, from parents to educators, administrators to board members, and beyond, into this important work.
We recently had the privilege of speaking with Kathy Robson, Deputy Director of Education at Chinook School Division, and an esteemed educational leader. Kathy shared her insights on the importance of engaging parents in education, especially as we navigate the post-COVID-19 pandemic era, where parent and family engagement took a backseat. Kathy sheds light on the significance of parent engagement, systematic improvements, successful initiatives, and practical strategies for educators to realize the need to rebuild and strengthen the parent-school relationship. We are proud to have been on this journey with Kathy in our parent engagement efforts in many forms over the years, from joining us at the Institute to attending our Think Tank. We’re delighted to see leaders like Kathy taking initiative and playing a key role in the gentle revolution.
The Importance of Parent Engagement
Kathy emphasized the critical role of parents in education and the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic that led to the exclusion of parents from the daily school experience. The resulting disconnect and the need to reset and rebuild these essential connections form the basis for understanding the urgency of parent engagement and re-establishing meaningful connections.
“Now more than ever we need to include parents in education. COVID allowed us to shut parents out of their child’s everyday school experience and we got comfortable with not including parents in activities,” Kathy told us.
Systematic Improvements
At the system level, Kathy has identified crucial areas for improvement, highlighting the necessity for Board support in efforts to enhance parent engagement.
“Attending the Parent Engagement Leadership Conference with Debbie Pushor was a way to begin the momentum in our division,” Kathy mentioned.
She said that aligning the Board's vision, mission, and goals, with a focus on parents, contributes to laying a strong foundation. Engaging in workshops, collaborating with experts like Debbie, and involving school boards and administrators in initiatives fosters a supportive environment.
“The support from the system level is crucial. It tells people that this is important. It creates excitement and energy within schools to try new strategies. As a part of that focus, we have created a Chinook Family Engagement Team with five schools represented. The teams consist of an administrator, teacher, and parent. The team will explore the research and strategies for broader implementation.”
Leadership Advice for Enhancing Parent Engagement
For leaders aiming to enhance parent engagement, Kathy emphasized the role of advocacy at the division level. Identifying schools ready for this work, supporting them, and celebrating their successes are key strategies. Creating excitement and energy through workshops and involving various stakeholders in initiatives further strengthens the commitment to parent engagement.
“It is that work and success that will encourage others to jump on board,” Kathy shared.
Successful Initiatives
Kathy points to successful initiatives such as counselors reaching out to families post-COVID-19, seeing a huge improvement in student attendance by one small gesture. Multicultural Potlucks, open houses, and forums where parents’ feedback is valued for school improvement are examples of re-engaging families. These initiatives bridge the gaps and create a positive atmosphere within schools.
To support educators, Kathy advised starting small, incorporating simple changes, and reaching out to the community to understand cultural diversity; to “be a champion for including parents’ expertise and knowledge into your school and find concrete ways to make that happen.”
Kathy suggests making positive phone calls within the first month of school, sending surveys at the beginning of the year inviting parents to tell you things about their child that will help them have a successful year, inviting parents into classrooms, planning family-oriented activities to learn about families and to foster open communication and approachability.
Advice for Parents Feeling Shut-Out
For parents feeling excluded, Kathy recommends maintaining a positive outlook, building relationships with teachers, participating in school activities, and offering feedback constructively. By actively engaging with the school community, parents can play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s educational experiences. She believes these small moments will help build and nurture positive relationships.
Anecdotes of Change
Kathy shares heartwarming stories of change within schools that implemented welcoming strategies to break down the barriers between parents and educators. Multicultural Potlucks fostering cultural understanding, Mystery Guest events where parents volunteer to come in and share about something they are an expert in, as well as representation on School Community Councils have all significantly enhanced parent-school relationships.
Kathy remembers a time in a school atmosphere that discouraged parent visits to one that now actively welcomes them with signs of warmth.
“When I first started in my role at Chinook, there was a school that had several newcomer families who would come and visit outside the classrooms before dismissal and the teachers found it distracting and noisy. They were coming to the school to connect. The first time I walked into the building there was a sign that said parents were not allowed in the building until the bell had rung for dismissal and to report to the office. It sent a clear message when you walked into the school that parents were not welcome. It was a big billboard and the first thing you saw. Since they have embraced engaging their parents, they have not only removed the sign but replaced it with a sign that says, Welcome – we are so happy you are here. Please come and let us know you are here. They now have parents stopping in regularly and feel the school is sometimes the only place they have to go for support,” she told us.
Kathy stresses that parent engagement is not just a catchphrase; it’s a transformative movement in education. As schools and educators actively engage parents, they pave the way for a more collaborative and enriching learning experience for students. The insights Kathy has shared underscore the importance of concerted efforts at all levels to foster meaningful connections between parents, educators, and schools. In this journey, small yet impactful initiatives play a crucial role in creating a positive and inclusive educational community.