ABSTRACT
This chapter develops an understanding of the importance of parent and community engagement in the context of the middle years learner and its benefits for student achievement. It considers strategies to enhance parent and community engagement. Parents tend to be more actively engaged in their children’s schooling during the primary school years compared to the secondary years. The decrease in parent and community engagement is the antithesis of what is advocated in relevant policy related to middle years education. Developing a sense of community and developing productive learning communities are also key elements of successful middle years education. Benefits of enhanced parent and community involvement can include, but are not limited to, benefits to students’ learning outcomes. Parents and community members help develop, understand and support a clear and common focus on core academic, social and personal goals contributing to improved student performance and have a meaningful and authentic role in achieving these goals.
