Family Engagement: From “I Do” to “We Will” Loree L. Smith, Ed.S Coordinator Federal...
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Transcript of Family Engagement: From “I Do” to “We Will” Loree L. Smith, Ed.S Coordinator Federal...
Family Engagement:From “I Do” to
“We Will”
Loree L. Smith, Ed.S
Coordinator Federal Programs Calcasieu Parish School Board
SPDG DAYApril 21, 2015
Welcome Activity “Table for…,” act as
restaurant host and have families put themselves into groups of two, three, four, etc. Give a topic for quick conversation, about 1 minute to talk. Ring a bell, change groups and topics. Continue for several more rounds.
“Parent” Any adult who is the child’s primary
caregiver: mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, other relative, or legal guardian.
Today’s family structures are very diverse. We all have parents…and most of us
become them. We will use Family/Families
throughout this presentation in place of “parent.”
The goal: Build Relationships to help Children Learn
The goal in working with families---all families, no matter what their culture---is to enable them to support their children in learning. It sounds simple, but in the process of finding innovative ways to understand and include all the cultures of our students, it’s sometimes easy to lose sight of this goal. (Davis & Yang, 2005)
Practical Strategies
Learn about cultures other than our own whenever possible.
Put ourselves in families’ shoes. Look to families as a resource in
solving problems. Bring families’ cultures into the
classroom curriculum.
Barriers to Family Engagement for Families
Time constraints. Transportation issues. Inflexible work schedules. Childcare issues. Financial constraints. Poor school experiences. Language barriers.
Barriers to Family Engagement for Teachers
Time. Lack of training in how to work
with families. Leadership. Funding. Language barriers.
Workshop/Training Practices
Have participants list possible barriers for families and teachers on chart paper.
Discuss/compare results with already composed list.
Share how these challenges were addressed and possibly resolved.
Saying “I Do” to NNPSNational Network of Partnership Schools
June 2005 6 Types of Involvement
Parenting Communicating
Volunteering Learning @ Home Decision Making
Collaboration with the Community
Parenting
I will assist families in understanding child and adolescent development and in setting home conditions that support children as students. I will assist my school in understanding family backgrounds, cultures, and goals.
Parenting: Promising Partnership
PracticesW.T. Henning ElementaryFamily Leadership Night Bell City High School
Family Resource Center
Behavior
Climate forPartnerships
Results for Families
Self-confidence about parenting as children proceed through school.
Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
Feeling of support from school and other families.
Communicating
I will communicate clearly and frequently so that all families understand school programs and their children’s progress. I will enable families to contact me with questions about their children. I will conduct at least one parent-teacher-student conference with each family.
CommunicatingPromising Partnership
PracticesJ.I. Watson Middle
Math with Mom
Washington-Marion HighSpa Day & Breakfast Drive - By
College and
Careers
Math
Results for Families Understanding of school programs
and policies. Support for child’s progress and
responses to solve problems. Ease of interactions and
communications with school and teachers.
High rating of school quality.
Volunteering
I will arrange ways for families and other volunteers to use their time and talents to assist my students at school, in my class, or at home. I will vary schedules to encourage families to attend events, assemblies, and celebrations at school.
Volunteering:Promising Partnership
PracticesLeBleu Settlement
Mardi Gras Gumbo & Talent Show
Moss Bluff ElementaryAccelerated Reader Carnival
Reading
Climate Of
Partnerships
Results for Families
Understanding of the teacher’s job. Self confidence about ability to
work in school and with children. Enrollment in programs to improve
own education.
Learning at Home
I will use interactive homework that enables students to discuss and demonstrate skills at home that we are learning in class. I will guide families to monitor their children’s homework and to discuss report card grades and academic goals with their children.
Results for Families
Discussions with child about school, class work, homework, and future plans.
Understanding of curriculum, what child is learning, and how to help each year.
Appreciation of teacher’s work and skills.
Decision Making
I will include family leaders from all racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and other groups on advisory teams and committees. I will offer training for family leaders to develop leadership skills and to represent other families. I will include student representatives when appropriate.
Results for Families
Awareness of and input to policies that affect children’s education.
Development of participation and leadership skills in responsibilities for activities and in representation of other families.
Collaborating with the Community
I will inform all families and students about community programs and services, and ensure equal opportunities for participation and for services. I will encourage participation to build relationships and strengthen the community in and out of the school building.
Collaborating with the Community:
Promising Partnership Practice
Dolby Elementary If You Teach Them…They Will Grow
(3 time NNPS Partnership School Award Winner)
Results for Families
Knowledge and use of local resources to increase skills and to obtain needed family services.
Participation with others to strengthen the community and to build a sense of community throughout the school.
Recruit & organize families to support the school and students.
Surveys to identify interests and talents.
Provide a Family room with resources. Create flexible schedules for
volunteering and events. Provide transportation, child care and
other languages. Train and recognize volunteers. Personally invite families.
Key Strategies for Teachers
Greet families with respect and interest in their children. Solicit family questions, comments, and advice. Think about homework. Develop “we-ness.” Be prepared with interesting, meaningful information. Be honest … and patient. Be professional … in a personal way. (G. Rudney, 2005) Take “Us-ies” instead of “self-ies”. (L. Smith, 2015)
Saying “ We Will” to students & their families in
Calcasieu
All Title I schools are members of the National Network of Partnership Schools.
Action Teams for Partnerships (ATPs) are in all Title I schools.
All Title I schools develop One Year Action Plans.
All schools must have family engagement initiatives as part of their School Wide Plans.
Resources School, Family, and Community
Partnerships. Epstein, Joyce & Associates
Parents & Teachers Working Together. Davis, Carol & Yang, Alice
Every Teacher’s Guide to Working With Parents. Rudney, Gwen
Reaching the Hardest-to-Involve Parents. Amodeo, Charles & Suomi
Thank you!
Loree L. Smith, Ed.S
Coordinator Federal Programs2423 6th Street (Rosteet Annex)
Lake Charles, LA 70601217-4170 Ext: 2406