Ontario promotes parent engagement in children's learning

​#ParentEngagement, #GranvilleAnderson, #ParentInvolvementCommittees, #ChrisSpere, #TruthandReconciliationCommission, #Anti-RacismDirectorate, #MitzieHunter

​Toronto, Oct 2 (Canadian Media):  Granville Anderson, Parliamentary Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Education made an announcement Sep 29 at Port Perry High School, Ontario that many school-based and regional projects are being offered in more than 2,600 schools and encouraging more parent involvement in their children’s education that will help boost the achievement of students, media reports said.

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Mitzie Hunter. Image credit: Facebook page

Anderson had tweeted, "Students are more likely to succeed when parents are engaged. Congrats to @PortPerryHS on receiving funding."

The school council of Port Perry High School is reportedly receiving funding, said Anderson to enable parents access the tools and information to support their children's mental health and well-being.

“Ontario is supporting greater parent engagement with this year’s Parents Reaching Out Grants, providing even more parents with the opportunity to get involved in their children’s education and reducing systemic barriers to participation.” Anderson was quoted by the media.

​Parent Involvement Committees (PIC) and not-for-profit organizations working with parents in creating local solutions that help parents overcome barriers to getting more involved in their children's learning.

Since 2006, more than 22,000 Parents Reaching Out (PRO) grants to school councils and over 900 regional/provincial grants for a total investment of more than $34.7M had been awarded by the government.

Ontario's PRO Grants are designed to support parents in identifying barriers to parent engagement in their own community and to find local solutions to involve more parents in support of student achievement and well-being.

“Through PRO Grants, our Parent Involvement Committee brought together parents, teachers, and school councils from across our region to support student achievement and well-being. The PRO Grant made our parent symposium a reality, provided resources and expertise to parents and students, and fostered a collaborative environment between families and school,” Chris Spere Chair, Parent Involvement Committee, Waterloo Catholic District School Boar was quoted by the media.

In 2017-18, Ontario is making an investment in 2,670 schools and supporting 119 regional and province-wide projects -- the highest number since 2007-08 -- through PRO Grants program, which support local school councils.

All 72 school boards are receiving 2017-18 PRO Grant funding through school council and/or regional/provincial applications.

In keeping with the key priorities of Ontario's renewed vision for education, these grants are part of the province's commitment to supporting achievement, well-being, and equity.

Special consideration was also given to projects that support the engagement of parents from Indigenous or racialized communities this year to align with the ministry’s commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the goals of the Anti-Racism Directorate (ARD).

Reportedly in 2009 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is a multi-year process to listen to survivors, communities and others affected by the Residential School system operating for more than 250 years with over 150,000 children attending these schools suffered  loneliness physical and sexual abuse. The resulting collection of statements, documents and other materials now forms the heart of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.

ARD works to eliminate systemic racism in government policies, decisions and programs to help everyone reach their unique potential and fully participate in society and in reducing the gap between the disadvantaged and privileged.

A diverse range of projects are being reportedly supported by this year's PRO Grants  such as: Family math nights for parents in which parents learn about strategies to support their children's math learning, family fitness events to promote physical activity, healthy eating and positive mental health and well-being, information sessions for parents on transferable life skills and post-secondary education pathways available for their children, tools and resources to support parents from diverse communities in fostering inclusive learning environments at home and at school.

According to studies increased parents' engagement in their children's education result in students' higher grades, improved behaviour and social skills, leading their education at a higher level.

“The recipients of this year’s Parents Reaching Out Grants have found innovative ways to address barriers to parent engagement. Overcoming these barriers is key to improving outcomes for all students, regardless of their background. These grants are an important part of our vision to enhance engagement among schools, students, families, and communities,” Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Education was quoted by the media.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)