State government to launch a learning portal to get parents more involved in kids’ schooling

Parents will be able to check on their children’s progress at school and get tips on how to help them learn at home, under a new state government strategy.

Parents will be encouraged to work more closely with schools to get the best educational result for their children as part of a new state government strategy.

An initial $2.2m will be invested to improve online communication between families and schools, build better resources for parents to help their children and provide access to devices and home internet for students who need it.

The strategy will align with early learning policies, including co-ordination and increased resourcing for playgroups.

“The evidence is clear that effective parent engagement in learning is one of the key contributors to a child’s long-term success,” Education Minister John Gardner said.

“It can have significant benefits, such as increased attendance at school, and improved behaviour and academic achievement.

“Research shows that parents really want to know where they stand in their child’s learning and want authoritative guidance on the role they can play at home and in working with educators and their school community.”

One of the first resources are simple tips for parents – such as be a coach not a critic – written in collaboration with Michael Grose, author of several books on parenting.

Harvard University researcher Karen Mapp will advise teachers how to work more effectively with parents.

The department is developing an education management system that includes a portal for parents’ use at any time of day to see what their child should be learning and how they can support them.

Now, some schools have portals such as Daymap or Seesaw, but the new system will be for all schools and year levels.

Aldrin and Yzza Paelma with their children, Ace and Via. Picture: Matt Loxton

Details are being finalised on what devices and home internet connection options will be available but the department has pledged they will be age-appropriate.

A bank of information for parents already exists on the Our Learning SA website established early in the Covid-19 pandemic.

More advice will be added, such as getting the most benefit from parent-teacher interviews, preparing children to move from primary to secondary and how to help with homework.

Flagstaff Hill couple Yzza Paelma and husband Aldrin work full time, making it tricky to connect with school.

“We’ve really appreciated teachers being more accessible via Zoom calls recently, it’s helped us navigate this very busy world,” Ms Paelma said.

Their son, Ace, 18, has completed Year 12 at Aberfoyle Park High School and will study engineering at Adelaide University next year.

Their daughter, Via, 10, is at Thiele Primary School.

“There’s a fine balance for parents in being engaged and present for your children but also allowing them to be independent because you don’t want them relying on you for everything,” she said.

“With different personalities and one in high school and one in primary, it has been a juggling act.”