Talking Solid & The Passport Concept

 

In partnership with the Community Development Foundation

CDF

In partnership with the Community Development Foundation, the programme is designed to increase the active participation and engagement of parents in school and increase student attendance through exchanging an hourly commitment to the school in return for ‘credits’.

‘Talking Solid’ engages with parents and carers in a meaningful way in a school environment. Parents and carers have an opportunity to learn new skills, such as computer, household and back to the workforce skills in return for a tangible rewards system which allows them to purchase school uniforms, excursions or lunches for students.

During 2010-11, the Fogarty Foundation will also support the School Passport programme, an adaptation of the Talking Solid programme, at the Neerigen Brook, Gosnells and Tranby Primary Schools.

The School Passport program provides an attendance reward system for the most challenging students in the schools.

Now involving many families from Neerigen and Gosnells in particular, the programme has seen significant parental engagement and involvement in activities connected with the schools in a most meaningful way.

Schools from disadvantaged areas have seen:

  • Increased student attendance
  • Increased self-esteem of parents
  • Increased rapport  and trust between school  staff and parents
  • Parents more actively engaged in the school through reading and phonic programs, helping out at swimming carnivals, the canteen or uniformshop or attending on-site school skill development programs
  • Parents making resources for the schools

 Importantly, the School Passport System has also shown to be broadened to meet the needs of a community.

One such feature of the program has been the implementation of a Justice Link to both schools through six correctional facilities.

The Justice Link provides a way for parents in a correctional facility to still provide the support to their child at school.

The system has been a resounding success with the prisoners as they are able to form a bond with the school while providing support for their children.

The Community Development Foundation is sourcing further funding and community support to expand the ‘school passport system’ and programs, such as the MOASHs (Mother Of All Sheds) which are special purpose buildings where parents and community members can meet, liaise with school staff and learn new skills.

Last updated: January 2011  www.thecdf.com.au