Santican, Jennilee

Enhancing Student Achievement through Teacher-Family Partnerships

Keywords: Parental Involvement, Student Achievement, Teacher Practices

Abstract

In 2005, the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Education released the Parental Involvement Policy to support one of their three priorities: high levels of student achievement. The policy offers recommendations at the provincial, school board, and school level, however, little attention was given to teacher agency in involving parents to enhance student achievement. This paper supports family involvement in collaboration with classroom teachers as the primary means to achieve student success rather than what is offered in the policy. Therefore this study attempts to answer, “How do exemplary elementary teachers engage families to enhance student achievement?” Support for the project’s recommendations stem from both the literature and interviews conducted with a teacher and parent. As a result, this paper is intended for policy makers and practitioners as recommendations of ideas, practices, and strategies will be offered focusing on the family-teacher partnership for student achievement.

Acknowledgements

I couldn’t have completed this research project without a few significant people from the M.T. program. First, I would like to thank Susan Schwartz who was patient and an awesome resource for editing and feedback! Ashley and Kelsey for keeping me motivated, inspired, and on task throughout the research process! Finally, to MC/Nore/Gel/Bill/Rents for your emotional and creative support =) 52U