Introduction to the Conference and Award Recognition

We were honored to participate in the CONNECT International Conference on Open Schooling (#CICOS2023) held in Barcelona on July 6-7, 2023. This invitation was extended to us because we were asked to discuss the crucial role of parents and families in open schooling—a topic that resonates deeply with our mission at the International Parents Alliance (IPA).

At the conference, we also took the opportunity to present the outcomes of the recently concluded PHERECLOS project, which aimed to foster collaboration between schools and communities through innovative educational practices. The project highlighted unique advocacy deliverables designed to engage parents actively in the educational process, ultimately improving the quality of education for all children.

To our surprise and immense pride, we were awarded the Award of Excellence for our contributions to the open schooling movement in Europe. This recognition validates our efforts and reinforces the importance of our work in advocating for inclusive, quality education that actively involves parents and guardians.

The Significance of Open Schooling Practices

The conference took place in the magnificent Museu de la Ciència CosmoCaixa, an inspiring venue that encapsulates the spirit of innovation and exploration. This setting fostered engaging discussions and reflections on the following key objectives:

• Reflecting and Disseminating Open Schooling Practices: The conference served as a platform for educators, policymakers, and researchers to share successful open schooling practices. Attendees explored various methods for integrating open schooling into existing educational frameworks.
• Overcoming Barriers in Education: One of the primary focuses was on identifying and overcoming barriers that hinder the implementation of open schooling practices. Participants discussed drivers that enhance the quality of education through collaboration between schools and their communities.
• Contributing to Sustainable Development Goals: Open schooling is not just about education; it also aligns with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The conference emphasized how educational practices can support these goals, promoting a holistic approach to education that encompasses social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
• Enhancing Sustainability in Education: The conference sought to strengthen the sustainability of the open schooling movement at both local and global levels. This was achieved through active cross-project collaboration, enabling various stakeholders to share insights and experiences.

The Award of Excellence is a welcome recognition of our work on quality, inclusive education, related teacher and school leader training, and especially the role and potential of parental engagement and child participation in decision-making and implementation.

The Impact of Parental Engagement in Open Schooling

In our presentation, International Parents Alliance focused on the variety of learning outcomes in open schooling, including social-emotional learning, active citizenship and wellbeing, the need to move away from projects towards sustained programmes, the need to balance STE(A)M and Humanities, and the starting point of all this: the right of each child to the best education they need.

We emphasized several key points during our discussion:

• Diverse Learning Outcomes: Open schooling facilitates various learning outcomes, including social-emotional learning, active citizenship, and well-being. These aspects are essential for developing well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society.
• Shift from Projects to Sustained Programs: We discussed the need to transition from short-term projects to sustained programs that ensure ongoing parental involvement. This shift allows for the continuous development of relationships between families and educational institutions, fostering a collaborative spirit that benefits everyone.
• Balancing STE(A)M Education: We also addressed the importance of balancing science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STE(A)M) education within the open schooling framework. A well-rounded curriculum can engage students more effectively and inspire them to explore various fields.

Parental engagement is vital in implementing these concepts successfully. When families see their children engaged in meaningful projects that connect classroom learning with real-world issues, they are more likely to participate actively in the educational process. This increased involvement leads to improved outcomes for students and a sense of community ownership over the educational experience.

Open Schooling: A Collaborative Educational Approach

Open schooling is an innovative educational approach that seeks to dismantle traditional barriers between schools and their surrounding communities. This model fosters a collaborative environment for learning by integrating formal education with real-world experiences and non-formal learning opportunities. The objective is to create a more inclusive, engaging, and relevant educational experience for students.

At its core, open schooling emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders, including:

• Schools: Educational institutions are encouraged to collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and community members to enrich their curricula. This partnership approach ensures that learning is connected to real-life challenges and societal needs.
• Families: Parents and guardians play a critical role in the open schooling model. Their involvement not only enhances the educational experience for their children but also strengthens family bonds and fosters a sense of community.
• Local Organizations: By working with local businesses and non-profits, schools can leverage diverse resources and expertise. This collaboration enhances students’ educational experiences, exposing them to various career paths and community issues.
• Community Members: Open schooling encourages community involvement, ensuring that education reflects the values and needs of the local population. This approach creates a sense of belonging and ownership among students and families.

One of the primary benefits of open schooling is the development of essential 21st-century skills. In today’s rapidly changing world, skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability are vital for success. Open schooling encourages students to tackle real-world problems, allowing them to think critically and work collaboratively with others.

Promoting Equity and Inclusivity

Furthermore, open schooling promotes equity and inclusivity within the education system. By engaging with various community partners, schools can provide access to resources and opportunities that may not be available within traditional schooling confines. This inclusivity is crucial in addressing the diverse needs of students from different backgrounds and circumstances.

Open schooling helps remove barriers that may hinder student participation, ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to succeed. The policy recommendations stemming from the PHERECLOS project highlight the importance of supportive structures at local, national, and European levels. These policies aim to foster an environment conducive to open schooling, encouraging collaboration among stakeholders and ensuring that non-formal education providers are integrated into the learning ecosystem. By removing legal and physical barriers to participation, open schooling can flourish, creating a more equitable and effective educational landscape.