An important element in the conversation about quality education is community engagement. How are schools interacting with the communities that they serve? How are family members incorporated as respected members in learning communities?
I felt that our tour of the Albion Primary School really spoke to this issue. Albion's headteacher understood and appreciated her school district; she knew its history, advocated for its residents, saw the challenges, and developed strategies that provided children with the most supportive possible environment.
I was very impressed with how dedicated the Albion School was in bringing family members into the school. One of our "tour guides" mentioned the student showcases as a favorite memory from the school year. I think it's especially helpful to set clear expectations for families to commit to meeting with the teachers throughout the academic year. This provides a sense of follow-through and reliability for students, and leaves families feeling more connected to what's happening in the classrooms.
I've studied parental/community engagement in low-resource, low-income schools. Many parents (especially non-native English speakers), lack the confidence to advocate for their child in a foreign system and school environment. Families often feel that it wouldn't been their place to intervene, and they trust that their children's needs will be met.
Supporting an dialogue and openness around education, as Albion does, motivates families to be more involved and students to feel that their work is seen and valued.