Involving parents and communities requires active engagement, open communication, and a willingness to listen to their perspectives. By creating meaningful opportunities for involvement, educational reforms can benefit from diverse viewpoints and collective efforts towards improving the education system

As an entrepreneur passionate about educational innovation, here are practical steps for involving parents in educational reforms: Parent Innovation Hubs: Establish hubs where parents can brainstorm and collaborate on reform ideas, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement. Interactive Workshops: Conduct engaging workshops that educate parents about reform processes and how they can contribute effectively. Digital Feedback Platforms: Use apps and online platforms for parents to easily share their feedback and suggestions on educational initiatives. Student-Led Conferences: Organize conferences where students present reform ideas to parents, encouraging a collaborative approach to education.

Para envolver os pais nas reformas educacionais desde o início, é crucial iniciar o diálogo logo nas fases preliminares de planejamento. Realize reuniões comunitárias, pesquisas e consultas para coletar opiniões e sugestões dos pais sobre as mudanças propostas. Isso garante que suas perspectivas sejam consideradas e cria um senso de coautoria no processo. A transparência desde o início estabelece uma base sólida para colaboração contínua.

Parents are vital stakeholders and by getting them on board you can have a massive positive effect on the school community, ethos and even results. Get their opinions (this doesn't mean you need to do what they want - you are the expert, they are not) but at the least you need to make them feel their opinion matters. Send out surveys and publish the results to ensure total transparency. Organise in-person information events or webinars and then follow up with comms to thank those who attended and explaining what came from the meeting (this also serves as a bit of a telling off for those who don't engage. It is a bit like elections - you don't vote, then don't complain about who wins!) In short you both need to show you value each other.

Engage Parents in Pilot Programs: Involve parents in trial runs or pilot programs of the reforms to gather practical insights and feedback. Use this experience to make necessary adjustments before a wider rollout.

Education is no longer considered a noble profession (which is different from teaching) and is highly commercialised. From T-Shirts to Mugs to books to canteens & even sports, it is a well oiled industry that caters to whims and fancies of their customers (a.k.a. students). In such a scenario, it becomes difficult to build any worthwhile trust levels with parents who view every step or initiative as a possible expense which they will have to fund. Communication can help but focus on the tone. When seeking funds, be explicitly clear about it. When providing subsidies, ensure that parents are involved. Small steps will go a long way in greater participation of parents/guardians and will ensure objectives of educational reforms are fulfilled.

Construir confiança com os pais requer comunicação aberta e constante. Mantenha-os informados sobre o progresso das reformas por meio de boletins regulares, redes sociais e reuniões presenciais. Seja receptivo às suas preocupações e feedbacks, respondendo prontamente e com empatia. Demonstrar que suas opiniões são valorizadas e que seus filhos são prioridade ajuda a fortalecer essa relação de confiança essencial.

Trust is essential in any relationship. Parents have already demonstrated a level of trust by trusting your school to nurture, protect, guide and educate their children. As such you are on the front foot and need to take advantage of that and show them their trust is not misplaced, Regular, clear communication home (a weekly newsletter sent at the same time on the same day each week for example). Listen to feedback both positive and negative and always follow up. Admit to any mistakes and explain how you’ll do better… then do it and advertise it! Use social media and other platform to show you listen, you hear, you care, you’re fallible (like everyone) but you reflect and improve. If you behave with integrity you will build that trust.

Provide Transparent and Accessible Information: Ensure all communication about the reforms is clear, concise, and available in multiple languages if necessary. Offer resources that explain the benefits and challenges of the proposed changes.

Potencializar a participação dos pais envolve criar oportunidades para que eles se envolvam ativamente. Forme comitês de pais, incentive voluntariado em atividades escolares e organize workshops para educá-los sobre as reformas e suas implicações. Ofereça diferentes plataformas de comunicação para facilitar a interação contínua, como fóruns online e grupos de discussão. Reconheça e celebre as contribuições dos pais para mantê-los engajados e motivados.

Create Feedback Loops: Establish mechanisms for ongoing feedback where parents can continuously share their experiences and suggestions even after the initial implementation. Regularly review and respond to this feedback to make iterative improvements.

Collaborate with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs): Work closely with PTAs to leverage their existing networks and trust within the parent community. Use PTA meetings as a platform to discuss reforms and gather input.