Teaching the ABCs of Excellence
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in the category Partners For Pathways
Pathways and Q.C. B.E.S.T. parents teach the basis for academic excellence
By: Carren Jao
Why do disadvantaged students excel? In a July 2005 study of 17 schools throughout Markina and Bulacan published in Magaling Ang Pinoy! by Dr. Queena Lee-Chua, Ma. Isabel Sison-Dionisio, and Nerisa Fernandez, the reason is surprisingly not about finances, but family environment. By giving children a conducive environment for growth, they are able to surpass challenges and excel academically.
Sadly, not enough disadvantaged parents know this. Their parenting style harkens back to the dark days of physical punishment and harsh scolding. Little do they realize that these time-tested methods, not only weaken their child’s spirit, but set ripples into the future, perpetrating a never-ending cycle of hurt and violence.
Beginning November 2008, Pathways for Higher Education, an education reform program of the Ateneo de Manila, dedicated to promoting higher-quality education to underprivileged children, and Quezon City B.E.S.T (Basta Everday Suportahan Taka) Parents, a Quezon City District 3 initiative to empower public school parents of District 3 schools, have banded together to re-educate the public school parents for the sake of their children’s and the country’s future.
Pathways and QC B.E.S.T. parents have translated and simplified the findings from Magaling ang Pinoy! and condensed it into a easy-to-digest handout aptly called ABaKaDa ng Pagiging Mabuting Magulang – QC B.E.S.T. Parents. Combined with workshops given by volunteer Quezon City parents, who themselves have undergone training with relationship expert and co-author Maribel Sison-Dionisio and professional trainor, Pia Acevedo, the seminar aims to enhance the parenting styles of misinformed parents around the country. Last November 14, 2008, the first seminar was given at Camp Aguinaldo Elementary School in Quezon City. And, this is only the beginning. By continuously giving these seminars around the country, Pathways and Q.C. B.E.S.T parents will sow the seeds to the country’s future. Teaching them parenting basics educational institutions often miss.
