Schools talk a big talk about parent involvement. And parents should be involved in their child’s education and the school. However, schools are not always welcoming or approachable. Many parents find them intimidating and judgmental. Having worked in schools for several years, I saw how parents were sometimes treated; like students. Of course, I saw many parents who were indifferent to their child’s education as well, which admittedly is frustrating. But not all parents are slackers.

When I was in social work school, I took a school social work class in which the professor referred to schools and classrooms as undifferientiated ego masses. I’ve always loved that, because its true. Basically it means schools and classrooms are worlds unto themselves. Like realms where it’s their way or the highway. This isn’t necessarily bad. Schools need rules and order to be effective. At the same time, if schools want parents engaged, they need to let down the walls and allow parents to participate as equals.

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