Parents Working With Schools and
Schools Working with Parents
Revised
and approved by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Board in 2004.
Parents
and independent schools work together to create and sustain effective
partnerships. The following principles of good practice describe the respective
roles and responsibilities of both partners.
Parents Working with Schools
Parents
recognize that effective partnerships are characterized by clearly defined responsibilities,
a shared commitment to collaboration, open lines of communication, mutual
respect, and a common vision of the goals to be reached.
In
selecting an independent school, parents seek an optimal match for the needs of
the student, their own expectations, and the philosophy and programs of the
school.
Parents
are familiar with and support the school's policies and procedures.
Parents
provide a home environment that supports the development of positive learning
attitudes and habits.
Parents
involve themselves in the life of the school.
Parents
seek and value the school's perspective on the student.
When
concerns arise, parents seek information directly from the school, consulting
with those best able to address the concerns.
Parents
share with the school any religious, cultural, medical, or personal information
that the school may need to serve the student best.
Schools Working with Parents
The
school recognizes that effective partnerships are characterized by clearly
defined responsibilities, a shared commitment to collaboration, open lines of
communication, mutual respect, and a common vision of the goals to be reached.
The
school clearly and fully presents its philosophy, program, and practices to
parents during the admission process and encourages dialogue that clarifies
parental expectations and aspirations for the student.
The
school seeks and values the parents' perspective on the student.
Teachers
and administrators are accessible to parents and model candid and open
dialogue.
The
school keeps parents well informed through systematic reports, conferences,
publications, and informal conversations.
The
school defines clearly how it involves parents when considering major decisions
that affect the school community.
The
school offers and supports a variety of parent education opportunities.
The
school suggests effective ways for parents to support the educational process.
The
school actively seeks the knowledge it needs to work effectively with a diverse
parent body.
The
NAIS Principles of Good Practice (PGP) for member schools define high standards and
ethical behavior in key areas of school operations to guide schools in becoming
the best education communities they can be. Accordingly, membership in NAIS is contingent upon agreement
to abide by "the spirit" of the PGPs. Principles are precepts
grounded in an ethic and ethos of "doing the right thing." Practices are common activities.
