Back in early December, it has emerged that parents of pupils at Greasley Beauvale primary school, in Newthorpe, Notts, were being marked from A to D based on their involvement with their children’s education.
Grading parents
- A grade – The actively-involved, ‘go above and beyond’, highly-supportive parent – can be a bit demanding in a negative way.
- B grade – Involved: these parents attend parents’ evening, work effectively with the school and understand its work.
- C grade – Do little to support their child’s learning and very little to support the school but will attend events occasionally.
- D grade – Does nothing to support their child’s learning or the school; is rarely in school.
I felt uncomfortable with approach, though recognised the reported positive impact described by SMW as “startling” result. Headteacher Donna Chambers may feel that the approach is by reports this week that “academic achievement is strongly dependent on parental involvement,” and that dropout rates were higher among pupils who do not live with their parents.
I still feel uncomfrtable with grading parents involvement, though recognise the responsibilities of a headteacher extend beyond the school.