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| Image Credit: http://educationthenaturalbridge.blogspot.com |
Earlier
this spring, I had the chance to attend the annual ASCD conference in my
hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I enjoyed participating in many of the sessions,
as well as meeting and interacting with educators around the world while
embracing a collaborative-rich hashtag in #ascd12. The entire
conference was high energy and the use of Twitter to share and discuss made it one
of the best conferences I've been to in my career. The sessions and learning did
not stop after the conference ended, but continued on due to the use of social
media. Without a doubt, Twitter has ensured there are “no lock-outs” when it
comes to today’s national conferences.
I
was unable to attend the recent ISTE 2012 in San Diego,
but stayed locked into #iste12 hashtag for the entire duration of the
conference. Even from the other side of the country, the theme of relationships
rang strong within many of the 140 character messages shared in the sessions as
well as during informal tweet-ups throughout.
In
reading many of my PLN’s ASCD and/or ISTE “conference debrief posts" (i.e. Principal
Chris Lehmann’s Why ISTE Still Matters To Me), the educator
relationship-building happening within these two conferences was described as
very special and family-like. Prior to the conference, many connected educators
only knew each other by a distinct Twitter icon, but oftentimes consider these virtual and international tweeps more valuable colleagues than those working
alongside them within their own schools.
With
so many educators building relationships while pushing their thinking and that
of others around the globe on a variety of important education topics, the only
thing missing were the parents of the students. A huge opportunity exists during conferences to physically and virtually share
our new learning with the parents of our schools.
What
if school leaders were "encouraged" to bring their parent leaders (PTA/PTO/HSA) with
them on at least one of the days of the conference? Wouldn't sessions be more productive and embeddable if both “home” and “school”
were learning together? What if teachers taught technology tools and other valuable resources at booths set up around the conference to help them become more engaged within their child's learning?
Starting small, one day of the conference could include a special “family day” where sessions led by educators
and parents could take place. Look at the conference list of sessions. What percentage of those sessions would be more valuable for schools with home-school components embedded?
We have so much to learn from our increasingly diverse parent population. We
have to look past our fears and allow our students' #1 teachers the voice and opportunity to partner with us. I can’t think
of a better place to role model this for schools across the globe than at these two
fulfilling conferences built upon relationship-building. The research over the last forty years continues to tell us that truly engaging our families is best for kids.
The
price, of course, for parents to attend ‘Family Day’ at ASCD and ISTE – free.
Possible "Family Day" Conference Session Titles
- Students as At-Home Producers
- The Ideal Home Environment for Learning
- Maximizing Parent-Teacher Conferences
- Twitter 101 for Parents
- Curricular Support with EduApps
- Cyber-Safety
- Facebook for Parents
- Twitter 102 - Hashtags for Parents
- Starting Your Family Blog
Posts
7 comments:
It is interesting to me that only after a conference I am told, "it would have been great if you had been there!" I then point out that I asked to attend, but was told by the conference hosts that this particular event was "closed to the public." When I have been able to attend various conferences regarding education and offer insight, I am then approached by attendees who say how my comments were "insightful" and "refreshing." There is such a wide gap and disconnect as well when parents have meetings and don't invite school board members or other educators to attend. In order to create a healthy community of learning that truly supports our students, we must encourage collaborative conversations. I am excited that ASCD will be opening the doors to parents next year, but again, the cost is what is the biggest road block to attendance. As a full time volunteer I don't have the funds to attend every conference so I would hope that those who do attend (whether other parent leaders or educators) would communicate out what they experienced and learned. Sadly, it seems far too often that what happens at a conference stays at the conference.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Myrdin. I think there are ways to offset the costs of allowing parents access on a "Family Day." You and I know there are many of us who would volunteer our time to work toward more home-school partnership offerings during conferences where we oftentimes see the latest and greatest from many global talents. Imagine parent leaders and educators presenting ASCD/ISTE ideas during the August Home & School Meeting in an effort to implement new ideas for the upcoming school year...
I agree that bringing all of the education 'players' together provides a great learning opportunity for everyone. One of the best features of People for Education's annual conference is that it includes parents, educators, administrators, trustees and board staff, Ministry staff, community organizations and education researchers. It is amazing to watch everyone come together to share their unique experiences and expertise. We call the conference "Making Connections", which is really what it is all about - building trust and respect between parents and 'the system', strengthening relationships, and acknowledging that no matter what role we play in the education system, we all have the same goal - the success of our students. For more info, check out http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/events-workshops/come-to-our-conference/
A good conversation starter, Joe! I know sometimes there is the preference that educators just want to be with other educators at conferences and other get-togethers and there may be some valid reasons, just as there may be the feeling that parents want to gather with just parents. One reason may be a need for an opportunity to have open and honest dialogue, but where is the best place for that really? And what does that say?
The main reason I became involved in the school council structure that exists by regulation in Ontario is because of the required membership of staff and administrators as well – not just parent members. I felt that it was the partners at the table together that would be key to action and things moving forward for the school in a positive way. Even if the relationships are not there, at least some shared dialogue and perspectives can occur that may help further directions of the decision-makers and leaders.
As for conferences, I think it would be a very respectful move to find a way to invite or include parents in the leadership roles at the school or in the district (at least). One would hope that they would in turn share information and reach out to other parents. They may need support and encouragement to do that, as well as trust.
And Jacqui is bang on. The mix of stakeholders at the Making Connections conferences is what makes it really great.
There will be more to consider ahead in this, including what the main goals are of a conference and professional development.
Thanks for starting a conversation on how parents/parent leaders might fit into these larger conferences, Joe!
@sheilaspeaking
Thanks Jacqui! Can't wait to meet you at People for Education in November.... Joe
Sheila- Will you also be at People For Ed in Nov? There are so many opps here for us to set our sights on.
Most likely - had to miss last year, but was there for 3 previously!
(usually early enough in Nov. before the snow really hits my end of the province and affects flights :))
Are you going for sure?
Sheila
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