Though participation in a school council requires hours of volunteer time, the rewards are many and significant. The personal and professional satisfaction that results from contributing to an effective school council involves the following:
- Focus on student learning and the best interests of all students
- Promote meaningful parental and community involvement
- Are inclusive and include members with the diverse views of their school communities: strength through differences!
- Actively involved in setting school priorities for improving student achievement
- Utilize clear and consistent processes for decision making
- Communicate regularly with the community
- Foster mutual respect, trust and understanding
- Understand clearly the roles and responsibilities of council and school administrators
- Share a common vision for student success
- Keep well informed about school and board policies & procedures
- Maintain high ethical standards
The following diagram has been developed by Gord Kerr, founder of the Ontario School Council Support Centre to outline the stages of development of school councils.
The Five Stages of Development
The evolving role of Parents Groups and School Councils in Education
Stage 1
| Traditional Role
| - volunteering
- fundraising
- attending social events
- major issues
|
Stage 2
| Transition 1 - Developing Advisory Capabilities
| - learning
- struggling
- change
|
Stage 3
| Advisory Role
| - respected advisory role
- balanced and informed
|
Stage 4
| Advisory Role
| - learning
- struggling
- change
|
Stage 5
| Advanced Partnerships
| - joint efforts of educators and parents to focus on improved student learning
|
*2001 Ontario School Council Support Centre