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For: Alissa Mak, 14, Victoria Shanghai Academy
When crafting a solution, how effective can it truly be if you are not actively seeking direct feedback from those experiencing the problem? Not allowing parents to voice their opinions on school curriculum leads to miscommunication and misalignment of values, ultimately hindering the success of both students and schools.
I propose establishing designated times for parents to express their opinions on how a school curriculum can be improved.
Their feedback should focus on teaching and class duration. However, while their input will be prioritised, parents should not participate in the school staff’s final decision-making regarding the school curriculum.
I think if parents have a voice in curriculum matters, schools will better accommodate the needs of both parents and students.
Their involvement will foster a sense of assurance among parents that their children are receiving an education that is aligned with their values – and that their children are benefiting as much as possible.
Consequently, parents will be more likely to share positive impressions and advocate for the school. Building this healthy relationship is crucial, as schools partner directly with students and parents, which is essential to a successful education system.
From another perspective, parental feedback can lead to authentic suggestions.
Since parents can convey their children’s genuine concerns regarding the curriculum, they serve as advocates. Adults are mature enough to engage meaningfully in discussions and can filter their children’s information to determine whether an issue warrants action.
Lastly, involving parents ensures schools remain accountable by promoting transparency. In the current system, grey areas in school procedures are often overlooked, especially when some parents are unaware of what their children learn daily.
This lack of awareness is often how issues like bullying go unnoticed, as schools may choose to overlook them.
By putting forth their best efforts, schools can maximise productivity and achieve the most effective, well-rounded outcomes. For all these reasons, it is clear that parental input is vital in designing the best possible school curriculum.
Against: Heer Donda, 16, King George V School
A school curriculum is often the primary consideration for parents when selecting an institution for their child, as it plays a significant role in a child’s cognitive development and future.
However, I do not believe that parents should have input on what their child is taught.
Parents grew up in a different era than their children, meaning they experienced different teaching styles, subjects and career pathways. As a result, their suggestions may be outdated or invalid.
Educators who design the school curriculum bring their expertise and sound reasoning to each decision. Their continuous monitoring of learning experiences and technological advancements enables them to ensure the best education for students.
Parents often make decisions based on emotion, which can cloud their logic when considering their child’s needs. They may also lack important information, such as the success or failure rates of previous educational methods.
The goal of education is not to satisfy the personal needs of each student or parent, but to produce an educated society. Even if some parents find parts of the curriculum not ideal, they should recognise the importance of a standardised curriculum that exposes students to a wide range of ideas.
If parents were allowed to provide curriculum recommendations frequently, it would be challenging to ensure that all parents’ opinions are addressed. This could unintentionally create a discriminatory system, particularly for lower-income parents who may lack the time to contribute.
Overall, it is impractical to obtain approval from all parents. This could not only delay teaching but also lead to unnecessary conflicts. How would a teacher plan a lesson if some parents demand one thing while others request something completely different?
While parents play a significant role in a child’s life, boundaries should be established regarding their involvement in education. Educational systems are shaped by professionals who possess the skills necessary to create an academic framework that meets all students’ needs.
