All Your Parents | Part 1: Set the Climate

With generous support from The Annenberg Foundation, NCFL developed All Your Parents = AYP, a parent involvement professional development framework. After a lengthy review of the current literature and successful parent involvement program models, and in consultation with parents and experts in the field, NCFL determined six important areas for successful engagement of parents to support children’s academic achievement.

Districts, schools, and teachers set the climate for parent involvement. Parents need to know that they are valued members of the school community and that they are equal supporters of their children’s academic success. Parents, in turn, must set the climate for learning at home, demonstrating that education is important.

Key Ideas

• Schools, staff, and parents are integral in setting a positive climate for parent involvement.
• Differing attitudes can affect the parent involvement climate.
• Family-friendly school and classroom environments invite parent involvement.
• Parents’ comfort levels at school often determine their levels of involvement.
• A family-friendly climate contributes to effective communication, relationship building, engagement in learning and parent leadership.
• Parents support the learning climate at home.

Thoughts for Teachers

• Assess your classroom environment. Does it say “Welcome” to families?
• Do you have one or two adult-sized chairs so parents can sit comfortably?
• Do you have an open-door policy?
• Have you asked parents what would make them more comfortable in your classroom?
• How do you greet parents when they come to your door?
• Do you have visual displays (cultural photos and posters, pictures of family events, etc.) that reflect all the families in your classroom?
• How do you support parents in setting a learning climate at home?

Ideas for Parents

• Set the climate for learning at home.
• Establish routines for children around schoolwork.
• Set your expectations for learning.
• Be a learner role model. Let your child see you learn about and explore new things.
• Provide the tools your child needs to read, write, and do homework.

For more information, visit the other All Your Parent guides: