MalesFORWARD
Studies show that the level of a father's involvement in his child's education is a strong indicator of children's academic success. The father's traditional family role and division of household tasks usually keep a dad relatively uninvolved in his child's schooling.
FamiliesFORWARD conducted focus groups with 22 fathers representing 11 Cincinnati-area schools. Those fathers not only identified why they found it difficult to be involved, but they also offered some ideas that could bring them into the schools.
Barriers they saw:
- Accepting the stereotype that education is a female responsibility.
- The inability to get time off work to attend school events.
- Feeling uncomfortable in a school setting, along with a lack of other male role models.
Solutions that would help:
- More flexible hours for school events and activities.
- A male-friendlier environment.
- Better communication.
The result of the focus groups is "MalesFORWARD: The Men in Our Children's Lives." The initiative is designed to bring men out to their children's schools and move them toward greater involvement in their children's educational experience.
Dads should put these key school-year activities on their calendars and become involved:
- Attend general school meetings.
- Participate in regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences.
- Go to school or classroom events.
- Volunteer at school when teachers and principals ask for help.
The MalesFORWARD program can help increase the participation of dads and other men in the education of our children. If you're a dad, get involved -- contact us to learn more about the program.
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