Improving learner outcomes

× EXIT

Opening the School Gate | Ongoing support

Creating opportunities for meaningful involvement

Involving migrant or refugee parents in the initiatives you plan is vital to the success of your engagement strategy. A model which includes parents at every level is more successful at engaging parents in a long-term, sustainable and meaningful way than programs in which parents are simply the recipients of information (Even Start Learning Center, 2005).

Studies have found parents are much more motivated and take more active leadership when they participate in decision-making roles in programs (Bromley, K.C. 1972, and Gillum, R.M. 1977).

Examples of meaningful activities for parents include:

  • attending and assisting with school excursions or sports events
  • joining in social activities
  • helping with development of culturally relevant policies e.g. establishing a prayer room
  • providing advice on culturally appropriate food for the canteen
  • fundraising
  • participating on parent advisory and decision-making groups
  • using specialist skills to support teaching and learning within or across subjects including individual or professional skills or cultural or linguistic knowledge and abilities
  • inviting parents as guest speakers to share their professional knowledge
  • being a mentor to a student, e.g. seeking work in a related industry
  • participating in curriculum working groups, e.g. the selection of community languages or culturally appropriate resources
  • attending working bees
Back to Top