To the Editor:
Time and time again it has been said by teachers and education administrators alike that the need for parental participation in a child’s education is not only expected, but a key to success as well. Participation can be in many forms; one of the most supporting forms is that of a parent advocate.
Parent advocates are the third eyes, ears and thought in a meeting between parents, teachers and administrators. Advocates take notes for purposes of documentation and ask key questions that the parent is either too emotional or unaware to ask. Advocates are usually experienced in both the bureaucracy of the school system and also possess first-hand experience as parent themselves. In any specialty of education: special education, ESL, athletics, academics, any avenue of education, advocates are very helpful.
It must be said, then, that the schools with their teachers and administrators must be receptive to an advocate’s presence and not be affronted if a parent shows up to a meeting with one. Unions and policies protect teachers and administrators in our educational system quite extensively. Students and their families are not protected and are often more times than not the victim of absent communication, snap decisions and stigmas. As Dr. Noguera recently stated at the Poughkeepsie High School, “Education needs parents. If teachers, administrators and school boards want parents to participate, they better be ready to accept them at any level.”
Denise Bolds
Poughkeepsie