Bahir Dar University

School of Educational Sciences

Department of Educational Planning and Management
Assignment for the Course School and Society
Academic Year: 2015 E.c (2022/23) Semester 1
Course Title: School and Society Course Code: PGDT 411

general Instruction
Attempt all Questions
Make your answer readable and brief
The maximum pages should not exceed more than ten pages
Plagiarism is forbidden

Assignment I
Read Carefully the Following Questions and Provide Your Answers.
1. Write a brief summary on Epstein's Model on Parental Involvement in children
education (5 points)

2. Taking your school as unit of analysis and Epstein's Model as framework for
Parental
Involvement, reflect on:
A. The practice of Parental Involvement
B. The challenges the school faced
C. The way your school managing these challenges ( 20 points)

3. Various empirical evidences show that teachers are in the frontline to work with
the society to improve the performance of schools in general and students'
academic success in particular. Write your perspectives on the role of teachers in
improving the participation of society in the subject you are
1. The model was developed by Dr. Joyce Epstein, a researcher and professor at
Johns Hopkins University, and has been widely used in educational settings
since the 1980s. It is based on the idea that parental involvement is a critical
 factor in promoting children's academic success and that parents, schools, and
communities should work together to create a supportive learning
environment.
The six types of involvement defined by the model are as follows:
1. Parenting: This involves helping parents to develop the skills and knowledge
they need to support their children's learning, such as providing a safe and
nurturing home environment.
2. Communicating: This involves promoting regular and effective communication
between parents and teachers, such as through parent-teacher conferences,
newsletters, and email updates.
3. Volunteering: This involves encouraging parents to become involved in school
activities, such as volunteering in the classroom or serving on school committees.
4. Learning at home: This involves providing parents with resources and guidance
on how to support their children's learning at home, such as through homework
help and reading programs.
5. Decision-making: This involves involving parents in school decision-making
processes, such as through parent-teacher associations or school councils.
6. Collaborating with the community: This involves working with community
organizations and resources to support children's learning, such as through
partnerships with local libraries or after-school programs.
The Epstein model emphasizes that parental involvement should be
comprehensive, sustained, and linked to learning goals. It also highlights the
importance of developing positive relationships between parents and teachers,
building a supportive school climate, and providing families with the necessary
resources and information to support their children's education.
Research has shown that parental involvement can have a significant impact on
student achievement, school attendance, and motivation. By promoting parental
involvement using the Epstein model, schools can help to bridge the gap between
home and school and create a more supportive learning environment for all
students.
2. A. The Practice of Parental Involvement:
The practice of parental involvement in schools can take many forms and can
vary depending on the needs and preferences of the school community. Schools
can use the Epstein model as a framework for developing a comprehensive
approach to parental involvement that addresses all six types of involvement. This
approach can include initiatives such as:
- Providing parent-teacher conferences and open houses to encourage
communication between parents and teachers
- Offering workshops and resources to help parents support their children's
learning at home
- Encouraging parents to volunteer in the classroom or school events
- Involving parents in school decision-making processes
- Building partnerships with community organizations to support children's
learning
B. Challenges Schools may face in Implementing the Epstein Model:
Despite the benefits of parental involvement, implementing the Epstein model can
also present some challenges for schools. Some of the most common challenges
include:
- Lack of resources: Schools may struggle to provide the necessary resources and
support for parents to become involved in their children's education, such as
transportation or childcare.
- Limited time: Parents may have busy schedules that make it difficult for them to
participate in school activities or attend parent-teacher conferences.
- Cultural and linguistic barriers: Schools may need to address cultural and
linguistic differences among families to ensure that all parents feel welcome and
included in school activities.
- Parental disengagement: Some parents may be disengaged from their children's
education due to a lack of interest, negative experiences with schools, or other
factors.
C. Strategies for Managing these Challenges:
To overcome these challenges, schools can adopt a range of strategies, including:
- Providing flexible opportunities for parental involvement, such as virtual
meetings or alternative meeting times to accommodate busy schedules.
- Offering translation services and multilingual resources to support families from
diverse linguistic backgrounds.
- Building strong relationships with parents and creating a welcoming and
inclusive school environment.
- Offering incentives and recognition to encourage parental involvement, such as
certificates or awards for volunteering.
- Providing resources and support for parents who may be less familiar with the
school system or who face other barriers to involvement.
3. Teachers are indeed on the frontline of education, and they play a critical role in
engaging the wider society in supporting student success. Teachers can act as
facilitators between schools and the community, promoting collaboration and
involvement to enhance the learning experience for students. Here are some
potential ways in which teachers can help improve community participation in
education:
1. Building relationships with families and community members: Teachers can
work to build positive relationships with families and community members, both
in and outside of the classroom. By creating a welcoming and inclusive
environment, teachers can encourage families to become more involved in their
children's education.
2. Encouraging parental involvement: Teachers can also encourage parents to
become more involved in their children's learning, for example, by providing
regular updates on student progress, hosting parent-teacher conferences, and
offering resources to support learning at home.
3. Building partnerships with community organizations: Teachers can work with
local organizations, such as libraries, museums, and community centers, to
provide additional resources and learning opportunities for students. By forging
these partnerships, teachers can help to extend the learning experience beyond the
classroom and promote community involvement in education.
4. Promoting awareness of educational issues: Teachers can also play a role in
raising awareness about educational issues and advocating for policies that
support student learning. Through advocacy efforts and community engagement,
teachers can help to build support for education and promote positive change.