Parents Support GroupiSpark Consortium

Our Beliefs

• Parents know their children best, they are the best agent in educating their children

• Students learn best when they have parental support

• Students actually perform better when their own parents are involved in their children’s school activities (Cotton & Wikelund, 1989).

Beginning Observation…..

• Teachers observed that parents have high expectations of their own children but lack strategies for dealing with gifted students at home

• Gifted students have common problems e.g. learning only the subject they are interested in, refusal to do homework

Parent Support Group

• Objectives:– To create a communication channel

for parents to share parenting strategies

– To enhance the partnership of parents in the education of gifted and talented students.

– To provide a platform for parent education in the area of gifted and talented

Structure of PSG

• EXCO – chairman, vice chairman, secretary, treasurer

• Class Representatives

Activities run by PSG so far• PSG briefing on new cohort of parents• Focus Group Discussions – “My son is

NOT achieving!!!”• Family Outing – Newater Plant• Sharing during Parent-Teachers

Symposim/Gathering• Participate in some school or

consortium events e.g. harmony cup, racial harmony day, national day, Students-led Conferencing

Coordinators’ Roles in PSG

• Facilitate and coordinate events as set in this meeting.

• Provide a platform of support for other parents esp. the Sec 1 parents.

• Communicating with parents periodically by providing relevant information of school events.

Effective Parental Involvement

• Focus on solutions• Shared Strategies • Networking and support• Consistent communication

with the PSG co-ordinators

Some upcoming events…

• 3 May, HCI Open House• GE Conference 2008 14/7 – 18/7• Student Led Conferencing mid

Sep• iSpark nite (Term 4)• Consistent communication with

the PSG members

PSG 99 -Appreciation Nite

Students-Led Conferencing

iSpark Graduation Night

GE Open House