According to research, many Black families are distrustful of institutions because of historical patterns of inequitable treatment and strained relationships between those families and educational systems. (Delpit 2012) Black families are often fraught with frustration as negative narratives are advanced by many teachers, principals, and staff regarding their engagement in their child’s educational experience.
Black families are often inaccurately depicted as passive, disinterested, or unconcerned. Consequently, many Black families experience a pattern of cultural and systemic dissonance between their expectations of academic, social, and emotional development for their children, and what schools have historically provided.
Research indicates that many of these schools have intentionally developed barriers to access and demonstrated negative dispositions toward these families. Therefore, many Black families have opted to remove themselves from hostile spaces rather than combat structures intended to devalue their presence. (Howard & Reynolds, 2008; Loque & Latunde, 2014)
However, contrary to conventional thinking, Black families often rate extraordinarily high on measures of parent engagement. Yan (1999) used four constructs of social capital (parent-teen interaction, parent-school interactions, family norms, and interactions with other parents) to gauge the degree to which Black families engaged in their children’s academic experience. As a result, Yan found that Black parents showed a higher or equal degree of engagement when juxtaposed with White families.
Village Life Education then conducted a survey to determine the strengths and weaknesses of parent engagement. This research sought to appreciably understand Black family engagement with schools during Covid-19. The researchers used a qualitative design to gain insight into the quality of those experiences. To capture this information, we collected data from 34 Black parents and caregivers using open-ended questions and solicited responses via a 5-point Likert scale. The results yielded some interesting information.
Covid-19 educational adaptations provided some parents with greater connectivity to school systems. More parents expressed having favorable experiences during Covid-19 than before Covid-19. This was due, in part, to consistent and frequent communication extended by the administration and teachers.
One parent had this to say – “During Covid, I find that the faculty and staff are much more responsive. For example, I reached out to my son’s principal last year, and never received a response. This year during Covid, she called back and had a 30 min conversation with me.”
Many parents had valid suggestions for improved parent/guardian engagement with schools, but this common theme surfaced.
Share the resources available with us to ensure our children are successful.
Parents wanted more insight into the curriculum in order to understand what their students are learning and how they can prepare themselves to better support their students at home. Parents crave the necessary tools to be successful while being a good support system for their children.
What’s our point? Data shows that preconceived stereotypes are a major barrier to equity in access for students of color. What is abundantly clear from the research is that Black families need intentional and respectful support.
There should be a transparent partnership between parents and teachers/staff. With proper alliances in place, Black families can develop comfort with discussing issues, both academic and behavioral, as they arise.
As one respondent stated, “If you have parents that want to foster that relationship, don’t shun them.” The relationship between the two entities should be openly discussed, developed, and nurtured. Open dialogue and continuous learning opportunities for both Black families and schools augur well for improved outcomes among Black students.
Looking to begin fostering those new mindsets or nurturing those relationships in your school? Village Life Education is poised and positioned with programs to support you as you leverage the power of engaged parents. Get ready to watch your students soar!
Contact us today to begin the discussion and ensure your parents feel seen and heard as they take their place and pilot student growth.