3.7 Engage Parents / Carers in the Educative Process

What does this descriptor look like at different levels?

• Graduate
• Proficient
• Highly Accomplished
• Lead

Engage parents/carers in the educative process is the seventh descriptor of the third standard of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

See more: Australian Professional Standards for Teachers Terminology Explained

Graduate

What does it look like?

At the Graduate level, teachers are expected to recognise the importance of involving parents/carers in the educative process and demonstrate basic skills in establishing communication channels with them.

As a Graduate teacher, you understand the significance of parental involvement in their child’s education. While you may have limited experience, you should be able to initiate communication with parents/carers and establish a foundation for a collaborative relationship. Building this connection is essential for creating a supportive learning environment.

What evidence can I collect?

To provide evidence for this descriptor, you can showcase:

1. Communication records: Maintain documentation of communication with parents/carers through emails, letters, or phone calls.
2. Parental engagement plan: Create a basic outline of how you intend to involve parents/carers in the educative process throughout the school year.
3. Parent feedback: Gather feedback from parents/carers on their experience of communication and involvement with you as their child’s teacher.

See more: Calling Your Students’ Parents – A Uniquely Powerful Teaching Strategy.

Proficient

What does it look like?

At the Proficient level, teachers are expected to actively engage parents/carers in the educative process by fostering collaborative partnerships, seeking their input, and providing regular updates on students’ progress and classroom activities.

As a Proficient teacher, you should have developed strong partnerships with parents/carers. You involve them in decision-making and seek their input on matters related to their child’s education. Additionally, you provide consistent updates on student progress and classroom happenings to keep parents/carers well-informed.

What evidence can I collect?

To demonstrate proficiency in engaging parents/carers, you can present evidence such as:

1. Parental collaboration examples: Document instances where you sought parental input on educational activities, events, or decisions related to the classroom.
2. Communication samples: Provide samples of newsletters, progress reports, or regular updates sent to parents/carers to keep them informed about their child’s learning journey.
3. Parental feedback and testimonials: Gather feedback from parents/carers on their level of engagement and satisfaction with their involvement in the educative process.

Highly Accomplished

What does it look like?

At the Highly Accomplished level, teachers are expected to lead initiatives that involve parents/carers as active participants in the educative process, collaborating with the community to enhance student learning and well-being.

As a Highly Accomplished teacher, you play a crucial role in forging strong partnerships not only with parents/carers but also with the broader community. Your leadership involves driving initiatives that involve parents/carers actively in the learning process while promoting a sense of community support.

What evidence can I collect?

To showcase your highly accomplished level of parental engagement, consider the following evidence:

1. Community partnerships: Document your involvement in community collaborations or initiatives that aim to enhance student learning and well-being through parental engagement.
2. Parent-led events: Provide evidence of events or programs where parents/carers took the lead, showcasing their active participation in enriching the educative process.
3. Impact assessment: Present evidence of how your initiatives have positively influenced parental engagement, student learning outcomes, and community involvement.

Lead

What does it look like?

At the Lead Teacher level, teachers are expected to drive systemic approaches to engaging parents/carers in the educative process, integrating community resources, and collaborating with stakeholders to create a cohesive learning environment.

As a Lead Teacher, your focus is on systemic change and creating a cohesive learning environment by integrating parents/carers and community resources into the educative process. You drive the school’s efforts to engage parents/carers at a strategic level, fostering a culture of collaboration and support.

What evidence can I collect?

To demonstrate your leadership in parental engagement, gather the following evidence:

1. Parental involvement policy: Provide documentation of your contributions to the development and implementation of a school-wide parental involvement policy.
2. Collaborative projects: Showcase initiatives or projects that involved parents/carers, students, and community stakeholders to improve the overall learning environment.
3. School-wide impact assessment: Present evidence of how your efforts have transformed the school’s culture, learning outcomes, and community relationships through robust parental engagement practices.

To learn more about the other descriptors in the third standard of the APST, use the following links:

• 3.1 Establish challenging learning goals.
• 3.2 Plan, structure and sequence learning programs.
• 3.3 Use teaching strategies.
• 3.4 Select and use resources.
• 3.5 Use effective classroom communication.
• 3.6 Evaluate and improve teaching programs.