As we approach the end of the fall semester , schools are busy with activities, but getting parents involved in school events can still be a challenge—especially after elementary school. Research shows that parent participation drops by 63% once students enter middle and high school, with most parents only engaging in extracurricular or sporting events. So, how can K-12 educators and administrators encourage greater involvement in school meetings and academic activities?
Cathy Tooley, CEO of Tools for Success, provides four practical tips to help educators increase parent engagement. If you’re planning parent meetings or events this November or December, these strategies will help you make a greater impact.
1. Keep Events Short
In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. Parents have full schedules, so events that last too long can discourage participation. Cathy emphasizes that keeping your meetings to around 50 minutes with 10 minutes for questions will improve attendance and engagement. Whether it’s a parent-teacher conference or an informational session, brevity is key. Focus on the most relevant information, and you’ll see a better turnout.
2. Avoid Educational Jargon
As educators, we sometimes fall into the trap of using technical language or acronyms that parents may not fully understand. Cathy suggests focusing on what parents really need to know. Rather than overwhelming them with four-year graduation plans during freshman orientation, start by addressing their immediate concerns, like how to help their child transition to high school. Simplifying the content and using clear language will make the meeting more accessible and meaningful.
3. Provide Refreshments
It may sound simple, but offering light refreshments can make a big difference. Many parents are attending meetings after a long day of work and may not have had time to grab dinner. Providing snacks like cookies or popcorn shows that you’re considering their needs, creating a welcoming environment where they feel valued and appreciated.
4. Make It Fun and Engaging
Parent meetings don’t have to be dry and formal. Cathy suggests incorporating interactive elements to keep the energy positive. For example, asking parents to write down their top questions as they arrive or engaging them in a lighthearted activity can foster openness and participation. Even something as simple as offering a door prize can make the event feel more enjoyable and encourage punctuality!
Bonus Tip: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Lastly, Cathy stresses the importance of over-communicating when it comes to event reminders. Don’t worry about sending too many notifications. Emails, texts, social media posts—use all the channels available to remind parents of the upcoming event. If someone walks into your event saying, “I must have received 600 notices about this meeting,” you’re doing it right!
Conclusion: How Do You Engage Parents?
Boosting parent engagement requires intentionality, but by keeping events short, avoiding jargon, offering refreshments, and making meetings fun, you’ll create a more welcoming environment for parents. And remember, communication is key!
We’d love to hear how you successfully engage parents at your school. Share your strategies in the comments!
To hear more of Cathy’s tips on parent involvement, watch the full video and subscribe to our Tools for Success YouTube channel: Watch Now.