Author(s): Sheridan McKinley

Maori Books

How well Maori Maori children do at school is strongly linked with how well parents and children relate to school staff. Maori Maori parents want their children to have a better education than they had, and have a strong wish to be involved in their child's schooling, concludes M?ori Maori parents and education. But Maori Maori parents need more guidance on how best to support their children's education at home, and how to access information or services to help them give that support. The key factor is school outreach. "When teachers reach out into the community, showing their respect for the relationships and activities which matter for Maori parents and their children, partnership with parents appears to be more readily achieved." McKinley interviewed Maori Maori parents and their school-age children, as well as principals and teachers, in three types of education - kura kaupapa, English-medium schools, and bilingual units. Almost all the Maori Maori parents interviewed had some involvement in their child's school, and most of the schools were actively trying to reach Maori Maori parents. Overall, both parents and children were much more positive about primary than secondary school experiences. This report provides valuable insights which may contribute to shaping better home-school relationships for Maori Maori parents and children.