A new school year can be difficult: No matter how many “first days” families may have experienced — or summer work packets teachers have handed out — walking into a new school year is something neither students nor families can fully prepare for.
The 2024 school year will pass crucial milestones, including the end of federal COVID-19 relief funds in September, which helped schools hire extra teachers, and a November presidential election in which Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, has proposed eliminating the Department of Education. The move could sow chaos and turn public education upside down. Given the stakes, parental involvement and preparation for the school year are as critical as ever.
While students participate in their own education through student government, school assemblies and peer conversations, parents can have a say, too. Here are four ways experts say parents can participate in the upcoming school year.
1. Local PTAs
One of the most common ways for parents to engage with their child’s education is through the local Parent Teacher Association. The school-based organization is made up of parents, teachers, administrators and other community leaders assisting with the decision-making happening within school walls.
PTAs help parents participate in the school year through fundraising for events or school supplies, keeping them informed on school or district developments, helping families advocate for their children, and working with school administration.
Joining a PTA is a time commitment, though; members are expected to attend meetings and participate in group activities geared towards school or curriculum improvement. That can be a challenge for low-income or families whose native language isn’t English. As a result, transportation issues, language barriers and child care are issues that should be considered before joining a PTA.
2. State education coalitions
Coalitions
are diverse, collaborative groups aimed at addressing specific issues
or political policies in education. Typical activities include
educational programs, network meetings, engagement with lawmakers, and
providing support for their target groups, such as Black or low-income
students.
Coalitions
join together to improve educational opportunities, discuss issues
deeply rooted in their school culture — like the lack of Black teacher
representation and food disparities. From working on ways around
curriculum restrictions or book bans to helping students access
much-needed resources, coalitions are another outlet for families to
have a voice in their child’s education.
3. At-home engagement
Research
shows that additional learning outside of school walls, like keeping
books in the home, help keep students caught up. The Center for
Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement suggests parents can do this
by reading with their children, helping them with homework, and
discussing school events.
4. Vote in upcoming elections
A
significant way to stay involved in your child’s education is by voting
for political candidates whose platforms align with your beliefs about
what K-12 education should look like.
During
the last three years, local and state officeholders have introduced
controversial policies — like book bans, restrictions on the teaching of
African American studies, and even a requirement to post the Ten
Commandments in every classroom. But pushing back on those policies is a
job for parents themselves — especially those who have school-aged
children that are directly targeted by restrictive policies. Knowledge
of candidates and their positions on education is power at the ballot
box.
This story first appeared in Word in Black, Oct. 15, 2024.