Turning Points 2000, Chapter 9 Synthesis

Chapter nine was all about the importance of involving not only parents and families in classrooms, but the entire community. It noted that research showed that the more involved a student's support group (parents, other relatives, what have you) was in the student's academic life, the student was more likely to have higher grades and a more positive attitude, higher attendance and graduation rates, higher rates of enrollment in some form of post-high school academics, and fewer placements in special education. In addition to the benefits to the student, the teachers were more likely to experience higher morale, see more community and family support, and hold better reputations with the community. The chapter discussed ways to bring the students and their communities closer together, among them being community outreach programs that get the students directly involved with local establishments.

The majority of the class felt that, while parent involvement would be ideal, it is not always going to happen to the extent that we wish it. Amber summed it up quite nicely by stating, 'I feel like parental involvement is so difficult because as a society we push independence.' Many also brought up the difficulties of parental involvement in different households, and the importance of remaining aware of the possible explanations of why it is difficult- work, disinterest, cultural/language barriers. Community involvement seemed to be well-received, as it could not only expand student horizons as far as subject matter is concerned, but could allow the student to pursue interests that they might not be able to under normal circumstances. Many of the programs mentioned were also career-based, which would help boost enrollment in post-secondary training or academics even more.