Parents’ plan to fix fractured school relationships
A radical plan from parent groups to tackle teacher abuse has been put forward after a rise in disputes between families and schools. Here’s what they’re suggesting.
Education
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Parent groups have pitched a radical plan to repair fractured relationships between families and schools.
A family engagement officer at every Australian school, to liaise between guardians and the campus, is one of a series of ideas proposed to strengthen relationships in schools.
The plan has been put forward to combat disputes between families and schools, with a series of high-profile cases of violence, aggression and stress being recently aired.
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“We accept there are some issues with families, but that’s because the relationships aren’t there,” Australian Council of State School Organisations (ACSSO) chief executive Dianne Giblin said.
“In all relationships there are fights, but they can be resolved a lot better where there is trust.”
ACSSO, the Australian Parents Council and Catholic School Parents Australia sent a letter to Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan last month urging stronger action.
“(W) e believe it is time to invest more in measures that would positively impact the
relationships between teachers and parents and we expect the next Education Minister to
take steps to do this,” the letter states.
“We realise this isn’t going to happen overnight, but we must work towards a future where
school communities form strong partnerships with families and work together for the benefit
of young people.”
They have not received a response.
VIC GOV’S SCHOOL FUNDING AGREEMENT
Mrs Giblin said they were calling for a nationally funding family engagement strategy, which would include officers in every school, professional learning for teachers in building relationships with families, and extra resources.
“The Federal Government needs to take a lead on this — there needs to be consistency across the nation,” she said.
But the Federal Department of Education told the Herald Sun it was the responsibility of states and territories.
“While the Australian Government takes a leadership role in national school education policy, we do not run or manage any schools or employ any teachers,” a spokesman said.
“State and territory governments, as well as non-government education authorities, are best placed to ensure there are positive relationships between teachers and parents.”
Parents Victoria has presented the family officer plan to the state Department of Education, with chief executive Gail McHardy saying the Andrews Government was “listening”.
“If you build better, stronger relationships, it can only lead to better outcomes for children,” she said.
The Australian Government has funded ‘Learning Potential’, which offers advice and guidance to parents, and the development of a national strategy to tackle teacher abuse.
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