Who are the hardest to involve parents?

Parents approach the school based upon their experience from their own education. If that experience was positive, then they are likely to take a positive approach to their child's school. These parents tend to feel comfortable at school, and some takes visible roles in their children's education.

The group of "hardest to involve parents" includes those whose school experiences have made them cautious, suspicious, and distrustful when coming into the schools. It also includes parents who face other barriers to becoming more involved. These parents may be poor, employed at low-paying jobs with no time off, or unemployed. They may face transportation, medical, or childcare problems. That may not speak English as their first language, have limited literacy skills, or have limited education. They may have had distasteful experiences with social service agencies and see schools as part of that experience.