Grayce P. Storey
There has been a change in the family structure. The change is being reflected in the number of single-parent families, working women, decrease in family size the similarity of male and female roles, and communication patterns.
The values parents wish to give their children has to be identified. It is the parent’s responsibility to model the values and monitor the child’s practice of them. The parents need also to establish a bond between the school and home, as well as form a commitment with the community to support the child in the family.
Sacrifices must be made for the children on behalf of the family.
One of the greatest needs of children is that of an identity. The self worth of the child is stimulated when he is shown love, pleasure, and caring. When a child is asked for
his ideas and sees them put to use will indicate to that child that his values and thoughts are recognized. A must in developing self-image in a child is giving that child attention and the results can be meaningful.
There must be a familiarity between the parent and teacher because this will aid in revitalizing the home and school relationship. Therefore, the capabilities of the child will even more be realized. Most importantly, the child will be able to identify parents and teachers, home and school as places and people of learning.
Programs must be available to prepare teachers with the skill to work with nontraditional families and children.
It is necessary that the curriculum reflect the children’s current and future needs. Skills in stress management, child care, family care, and life skills are a must. Schools should be urged to incorporate these areas into the curriculum. The family and community are not exempt, they too must take part in this endeavor.
The children today will stand in our places tomorrow so it behooves us to prepare them well by being totally committed to them.
In communities there is a congruency between education and the social and cultural aspects of a society. The family and community were responsible for education the young. The plantation South viewed education as a privilege of the elite. The children were educated in private schools or they were provided tutors.
Private academies were later replaced by public high schools. The division in urban schools was brought about due to the social class, religion, and ethnic backgrounds.
“Today schools serving the slums of the big cities are relatively unsuccessful in their educational efforts when judged by and compared with middle class standards.” One problem of the inner city is the inability to keep older children in school. Some may interpret the reason for the high drop out rate as follows:
-
1. the inappropriateness of the school programs,
-
2. rejection by the intellectual marginal, and
-
3. those who leave school equate age with adulthood and see school as a place for children.