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Increasing parent participation in school decision making.

Last post 04/08/10 at 17:14 by adrianmee2, 46 replies
Post started by adrianmee2 on 25/07/10 at 19:10

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  • adrianmee2 avatar
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    Posted by: adrianmee2 25/07/2010 at 19:10
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    I'm currently undertaking a little research into how parents are included in school decision making. I'd very much appreciate any views on any or all of the following: 1.Should parents become more involved in the decision making process of schools? 2.Should parent governors consult parents regularly? 3. What kind of things should governors be consulting parents on? 4. Are there any schools which are using the internet VLE etc. to get parents involved in decision making. It would help greatly if those wonderful enough to share their views could just say their role e.g. parent governor.
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    Posted by: harsh-but-fair 25/07/2010 at 20:04
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    adrianmee2:
    I'm currently undertaking a little research into how parents are included in school decision making
    who for? - to what ends?
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    Posted by: adrianmee2 26/07/2010 at 14:11
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    Fair question. I'm a researcher and lecturer in education at the University of London and the questions posted relate to a piece of research I'm undertaking as part of my work. The focus chosen is my own and not a part of any funded research or being undertaken on behalf of any other body. The questions posted is part of the basic scoping exercise so obviously responses won't form part of any report or publication. The answers people are good enough to post will help to frame the questions.
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    Posted by: R13 26/07/2010 at 21:59
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    I think you need to more closely consider what you mean by 'decision making'

     

    It's not Governors role at all to be involved in day to day decision making . . .and not parents role either. If The question you are asking is should parents be involved in school strategy decisions then they should be and they are but if you are looking at numerous questionnairesetc. then you delay the business of Govenors and typically get the views of less than half of parents to consider.

     

    Give us an example of a decision when it is appropriate

     

    and Parent Governors shouldn't be the only ones to consult with parents - all Governors should
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    Posted by: adrianmee2 27/07/2010 at 11:13
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    Hello - Many thanks for your views.

    Re. decision making. - Yes indeed, there are many interpretations of what this means and I'm very keen to hear people's views in order to map these different perspectives. Clearly - different stakeholders often have different views.

    It would help me greatly if I gould know your role e.g. Parent governor etc.

    Kindest regards

    Adrian Mee
  • R13 avatar
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    Posted by: R13 27/07/2010 at 13:19
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    I'm a Head - and a Governor
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    Posted by: Crispness 27/07/2010 at 14:14
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    1.Should parents become more involved in the decision making process of schools? 2.Should parent governors consult parents regularly? 3. What kind of things should governors be consulting parents on? 4. Are there any schools which are using the internet VLE etc.

    1. No. There are plenty of opportunities via the governing body, the PTA, consultations, and if necessary for parents to start their own schools, if they want to be more involved in decision making
    2. No. The questions speaks of a misunderstanding of the role of Parent Governor, and of the process of consultation
    3. A few things:
      1. whether they feel their child(ren) is/are getting the best out of their school
      2. any proposed significant changes to the school, i.e. uniform, school day, teaching arrangments, curriculum and or behaviour policy, etc
      3. if they would recommend the school to others
      4. what made them choose the school
    4. Directly involved in decision-making? no. using internet/vle for consultations? I think most schools have tried survey monkey at least once.
    5. I'm a parent and a governor, but not a parent governor
     
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    Posted by: foresta 27/07/2010 at 15:16
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    R13:
    Parent Governors shouldn't be the only ones to consult with parents - all Governors should

    Totally agree
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    Posted by: adrianmee2 27/07/2010 at 15:22
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    Thanks very much for taking the time to respond. It's all very helpful. Re. Question 2. Your response was. "No. The questions speaks of a misunderstanding of the role of Parent Governor, and of the process of consultation." If you do have time I'd be very grateful if you could outline what you feel the role of a parent governor is and if possible what informs your views. Also if anyone else could offer their view of the role of the parent governor this would be wonderful. I do appreciate the time people are taking to respond. Kind regards Adrian Mee
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    Posted by: Crispness 27/07/2010 at 16:36
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    A PG is not there to act as a shop steward for the parents.Neither is a Staff Gov there to do the same for staff. The idea behind the stakeholder principal enshrined in the current model, is not to represent the opinions of the various stakeholders. Rather, it is designed to have representative opinions around the table. A subtle difference.

    Like MPs and Councillors, governors are not delegates who must consult their constituency each time a decision is to be made. they are there on their own merits totake decisions as they see fit.

    They can after all be replaced after the term of office completes.
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