How can schools take the lead to expand fathers involvement in their childrens education?
Use the National PTA Standards as a guide. The National PTA Standards for Parent/Family Involvement Programs clearly outline six types of parent involvement in education. Use these PTA standards to evaluate what your school is doing and to identify areas you would like to strengthen for working with families, especially fathers. These are: • Communicating Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful. • Parenting Parenting skills are promoted and supported. • Student Learning Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning. • Volunteering Parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought. • School Decision-Making and Advocacy Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families. • Collaborating with Community Community resources are used to strengthen schools, families, and student learning. (National PTA, 1997) Communicate with fathers. Whether fathers are in two-parent families or single-pare
