Changes in parent sentiments around home schooling and the impact for parent engagement in schools

 

In 2021 at the height of the lockdowns across the country two family engagement specialists Jacqui Van de Velde and Tashi Lhamo deployed a snap survey of parental intentions regarding homeschooling. It was a time of unprecedented stress, anxiety and uncertainty for parents and their children regarding the immediate and long term future of the education system as they understood it to be.

 

The results were stunning. In a 72 hour period close to 4000 responses representing nearly 10000 students had been received. The finer analysis of the data cross-referenced with other studies has delivered a checklist of challenges for parents, educators and students, forming a framework for  what happens next and what the best next steps might be?