Sustaining Catholic Education in and for the Black Community
By Lois J. Carson, Sr. Roberta Fulton, S.S.M.N., Dorothy Gupton, Veronica Morgan-Lee, Freida D. McCray, Mary Crowley McDonald, Kathleen A. Merritt, Sr. Jamie T. Phelps, O.P., Ph.D., Brother Gary Sawyer, ECSA, Deacon Marvin Threatt, PhD.
(Article:
Page 23 of 35)
Add To Favorites |
Print Version
 |
|
Full Resources
Article Index
|
|
|
|
|
 |
The Parent/Teacher Interface
The defining factor that determines student success in any school is neither the curriculum, nor the instructional integrity of the teacher, nor the school philosophy, identity, or mission. Unequivocally, the primary factor in determining student success in school is parental involvement.
Parental involvement requires more than sending children to school each day, and intervening in times of crisis. To ensure student success, parents must work with the school, involve themselves with the curriculum, demand instructional integrity from teachers, and require full participation by their student in the learning process. While the school can promote student success in a variety of ways, the most defining factor that can shape student behavior, discipline, and learning is the active involvement of parents.
Every Catholic school should require parents to participate actively in their children's education, through attendance at PTA meetings and the establishment of an ongoing dialogue with the student's teachers regarding classroom behavior and academic progress. Parental involvement will require time and effort. However, parental involvement is also the surest means of promoting academic success.
Catholic education has been one of the pillars of success for many Americans, and especially for the African American community. Catholic schools have provided quality education based on Gospel values, and have helped thousands of African American men and women to compete successfully in a world that often was unsympathetic to our right to participate equally in the American society.
The need to maintain effective Catholic schools in the African American community is as great today it was in the past. Catholic schools can provide the tools and competencies necessary for participation in the new global economy. A strong Catholic philosophy and identity will manifest itself in a school climate that includes academic excellence, student spirituality, discipline, social justice awareness, and Christian service activities.
Thus, with parental cooperation, Catholic schools will be able to produce competent students who are can be catalysts for change by healing, renewing, and reclaiming our world, our nation, and our community. Each graduate of Catholic education ought to be a sign that the reign of God is at hand, through their contribution to and participation in a world, nation, and a community that are better because of their presence and involvement.
The next chapter discusses strategies for collaboration among parents, teachers, the community, and the Church.
Pictured are the grade school students of
Immaculate Conception School. No date is given.
This picture is a part of the pictorial exhibit,
“The History of Black Catholics in the Diocese of Charleston.”
to top of page
Previous page
|
|
Next page
|
|
