On Parent Support Groups

SPEECH MOE COS ON PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS 

By Denise Phua

Decades of research underscore the significant impact of parental involvement in education, yielding benefits for both students and schools. Evidence suggests that students with engaged parents are more likely to do better, exhibit better social skills, and adapt well to school. Studies found a positive correlation between family involvement and student success, regardless of the family’s socioeconomic status.

I commend the Ministry of Education (MOE) and numerous schools for fostering Parent Support Groups (PSGs). An overview of published achievements reveals that PSGs in Singapore have shown remarkable progress, enhancing the educational environment through various initiatives.

My study of the landscape also shows that the level of PSG participation and contribution varies across schools. Additionally, I notice that many parents are still seized with worries over the high-stake examinations such as the PSLE and GCEs; direct school admissions to what they perceived as better schools and pressing issues such as their children’s mental health.

Parents, I believe, can play a more significant and impactful role. The MOE has the opportunity to devise a strategic plan for deeper collaboration with parents, fostering a culture that values learning beyond grades, supports good mental health, and emphasizes character development – all important mantras recited by the Minister of Education himself. The Ministry can draw inspiration from the organizational structures of multi-level networks in the business sector and the cell group frameworks and resource support found in faith-based communities. This may help enhance the cascading of critical information and resources more effectively.

I request an update from the MOE on the progress of PSGs over the years, the role of the Community and Parents in Support of Schools (COMPASS) advisory panel, and future strategies for harnessing parents’ potential positive energy to strengthen our education system as a whole.

Community, Education, Parliament, MPDenise PhuaParliament, Speech, COS 2024, MOE, PSG