My role as Curriculum Coordinator involves examining the academic performance of our students, aligning that with our teaching practices, and suggesting ways that we can improve.
However, there is one key aspect of student performance that is often overlooked and almost completely out of my control – parental involvement!
Nine years ago a school in Sydney’s South West was identified as one of the lowest performing schools in terms of NAPLAN and HSC results. Twelve months later, they had the most improved results in the state.
Eight years ago, a school in New Mexico was reported in the national media as having the lowest SAT scores and highest dropout rate in the country. Twelve months later their SAT average had doubled and their drop out rate was less than 5%.
Both principals put the improvement down to parental involvement. As soon as parents became actively involved in their child’s education, improvement followed.
At PCS I believe we have a healthy amount of parental involvement, but there is always room for improvement.
Last week, I sent out an email explaining how parents can navigate Google Classroom. This is a wonderful example of how technology can help you get more involved in your child’s education.
No more: “What did you do at school today?” “Nothin” conversations! Instead you can actually sit down together and look through the tasks that have been set and the work that has been completed.
My eldest daughter started Year 7 last week, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading her responses to questions and discussing her answers with her. I definitely learned a few things about her and it led to me having a better understanding of what type of student she is and what she wants to achieve at school.
I encourage all of you to do the same.
If you have any questions about how to access Google Classroom, or how any part of the High School Curriculum works, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me
Greg