The significance of effective collaboration between parents and schools is often emphasized when it comes to the educational success of students. In Schwäbisch Gmünd, this aspect is being particularly highlighted thanks to the research and practical project "Social and Democratic Participation through Parental Involvement" (SODETE), jointly initiated by the Pedagogical University and the city of Schwäbisch Gmünd. The initial results of the project were presented at a meeting attended by teachers, school administrators, municipal staff, and parents at the end of July.
In her opening remarks, project coordinator Dorothee Engbers underlines that strong collaboration between parents and schools can have positive effects on students' success. Nevertheless, there is often dissatisfaction with how parental involvement is carried out in practice. This is where the SODETE project comes into play: Its aim is to explore how effective parental involvement can be successfully structured for all parties involved.
To achieve these insights, researchers from the Pedagogical University have conducted numerous interviews, observed parent meetings, and organized group discussions over the past months to share participants' experiences. The term "parental job" was coined to describe the demands not only placed on students but also on parents by the school. These requirements are challenging and sometimes even contradictory.
Another insight from the research is that parents and schools often have different expectations regarding parental involvement, leading to misunderstandings. To mitigate such misunderstandings and strengthen cooperation, it is of great importance to bring all stakeholders to the table. One participating vice principal emphasized the importance of expanding one's perspectives and engaging in dialogue.
To achieve these goals, "real-world laboratories" are planned to start in the fall. In these labs, academia and practice will jointly discuss the future design of parental involvement. This dialogue is intended to enhance collaboration between parents, schools, and the city. Those interested in SODETE and active parental involvement can find more information on the website sodete.ph-gmuend.de.
The initiative in Schwäbisch Gmünd underscores the importance of constructive cooperation between parents, schools, and the city to create a positive learning environment for students. Through open communication and the exchange of perspectives, misunderstandings can be reduced, laying the foundation for effective educational partnership. This project serves as an inspiring example for other school communities to strengthen collaboration among all stakeholders, thereby promoting students' educational opportunities.
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