• +64 21 232 6753
  • alisonshouldbewriting@gmail.com
  • Dunedin, New Zealand

LP2 [3a] Community Consultation

Here it is important to note who is and is not participating/represented. You might ask yourself:

  • did they feel included in the invitation?
  • could they see themselves as part of the community being consulted?
  • are they able to access the information/location?
  • have I/we created safe place for them to “show up”?
  • is there an alternative way to engage certain communities?

A reminder that the voice of the majority will only serve to maintain the status quo. Minority voices and experience need to have a place, be supported, and be elevated. That is how to be a good ally.

https://nzcurriculum.tki.org.nz/Principles/Community-engagement-principle

  At our school:
  teachers make connections to students’ lives

  we treat families with dignity and respect and add to family practices, experiences, values, and competencies  
  parents and teachers are involved together in children’s learning  
  parents and whānau participate in school activities  
  family and community knowledge is incorporated into the curriculum and teaching practices  
  we connect with local iwi for support and advice  
  parents and whānau are encouraged to contribute their perspectives about the future direction of the school  
  we build on the strong aspirations and motivation that most parents have for their children’s development  
  we consult with parents about our homework programme and act on feedback received   
  community expertise is used to support students’ learning  
  information about students’ learning and achievement is regularly shared with parents in a variety of ways  
  we offer structured and specific suggestions, rather than general advice, to engage the support of families, whānau, and communities.  

What starts to happen to assessment when teachers learn about their children’s informal learning?

 It is not up to one person 5 days a week for 40 weeks in a year to provide all the educational needs for ākonga. How we engage with and consult others to be a part of the education of ākonga is vital.