I suspect the
majority of literate, working class parents feel 'shame and fear' in their dealings with middle class teachers. Since parents are
the most important factor in a child's educational success, schools ought to address these negative emotions through aggressive cooperation with those parents that care. Such cooperation would require a revolution in education administration and objectives.
Obviously, many parents will be unable or unwilling to form a partnership with school. Those that do will eventually encourage others to join them. In China, for instance, poor families have a much higher involvement in their children's education. Our culture can evolve in this direction.
Sadly, some children
are beyond rescue. Schools should reach out, at least weekly, to those disadvantaged parents that do care. Token communication once or twice a year is worthless. Teachers should spend much less time teaching and much more empowering parents! An inclusive educational culture will, in time, shift parental attitudes across the nation. Does this make me an idealist?
Coercion of intransigents could be as subtle as 'education leave' from work, tax breaks, resource handouts or fun excursions for those parents that cooperate with schools.