Building Partnerships with Parents, Families and Communities

With PGCPS

Michael A. Robinson,Coordinating Supervisor, Parental Engagement

Kelly L. Alexander,Community Outreach Officer

Purpose

Participants will identify the basic ingredients of an effective parent involvement program in order to create a school climate

that increases parent participation.

Process

PowerPoint Presentation

Interactive Activities

Sharing with Other Participants

Payoff

A better understanding of the benefits of parental involvement

Strategies to increase parents participation in after school programming

An understanding of how parental involvement creates good will ambassadors for PGCPS

Strategies to improve and increase communication between home and school

Workshop Norms

Participate Freely

Encourage Others’ Participation

Practice Respectful Listening

Refrain From Side Conversation, Reading Newspapers, Phone Calls, etc.

Have Fun

Two Heads Are Better Than One

Define Parental Involvement

Definition of Parental Involvement

The new definition of parental involvement uses the terminology “parent and family engagement.” These words indicate the desire to create true partnerships based upon

mutual trust and respect.

An effective partnership between school, parents/families, and community means the mutual collaboration, support and participation of key adult stakeholders in efforts that directly and positively affect the academic

achievement and psychosocial development of students.

Definition continued…Since 1991, Davies and other researchers have defined parent/family engagement from a shifting perspective. As society restructures itself, so should we transform our approach to parent/family and community engagement:

Changing the Definitions of Parental Involvement

Old Paradigm New Paradigm

From: To:

Parent Focus Family Focus

Family Community Agencies

School Home/Neighborhood Setting

Accessible Parents Hard-to-Reach Families

Administrator/Teacher Agenda Family Priorities

Deficit View of Families Inherent strengths of Families

What the Research Says About Parent/Family Involvement and

ParticipationAll parents/families have hopes and goals for their children.The home is one of several spheres that influence a child.The parent/family is the chief contributor to a child’s education.Parent/family involvement must be a legitimate element of education.Successful parent/family involvement and participation strengthens bonds between home and school, parent and educator, parent and child, and school and community.

What the Research Says About Parent/Family Involvement and

ParticipationEffective parent/family involvement requires a vision, a policy, a framework, and a consensus of understanding.Parents’ interactions with their own children is the cornerstone of involvement and participation.Barriers to parent/family involvement are found within school practices, not within parents.Parents must be approached individually: they are not defined by gender, ethnicity, family situation, education, or income.Parent/family involvement and engagement is a process, not a program.

Comer and Family InvolvementLevels of parent involvement in Comer SDP

School.Level 1

50-100% of parents support the school’s program through attending parent-teacher conferences, reinforcing learning at home, and participating in the school’s social programs.

Level 2

10-50% of parents are actively engaged in the daily life of the school by being present on-site and constructively involved in supporting the authentic learning activities.

Level 3

1-10% of parents are truly representatives, participating in collaborative decisions with school staff, students, and other identified persons on the SPMT

Six Types of Parent InvolvementEpstein (1995) describes six types of parental involvement in schools:

1. Parenting. The basic obligations of parents include housing, health, nutrition, and safety for their children. Parents also should provide home conditions for learning at all levels.

2. Communicating. The basic obligations of schools include school-to-home communication such as memos, notices, newsletters, report cards, conferences, and phone calls plus information on the school, courses, programs, and activities.

…Types of Parent Involvement

3. Volunteering. Parents volunteer their time and talents at school activities and fundraising.

4. Learning at Home. Parents help their children with homework and with setting educational goals.

…Types of Parent Involvement

5. Decision Making. Parents participate in PTA/PTO organizations and school decisions on policy, leadership, and advocacy.

6. Collaborating with the Community. Parents encourage partnerships with community resources and services.

Integration of Comer & Epstein

Level I

Level II

Level III

 

School Management

5-10% (Type 5)

School Governance, Leadership and

Advocacy Improves Student

Achievement

Active Daily Participation 30%

(Type 3) Volunteering in Schools(Type 6) Community Linked Services

Improves School Effectiveness

 

Broad Participation and General Support60%

(Type 6) Community –Linked Services(Type 4) Learning Activities at Home

(Type 2) Two-way Home –to-School CommunicationImproves School Climate

Positive Outcomes of School, Family, and Community Partnerships

Type Students Parents School/Staff1. Parenting

2. Communicating

3. Volunteering

4. Learning at Home

5. Decision Making

6. Collaboration of Community

Share Your Outcomes

Access Granted-Get Involved in Education

Parent Engagement Plan– Parent Liaisons– Parents Observing Classrooms– Parents Assisting Teachers (PAT)– Volunteers

Community Outreach– Bring Your Child To School On The First Day

• August 24, 2009

– Make A Difference• October 12, 2009

Back To The First Activity

What Have You Learned TodayThat You Can Use or Share?

Q & A

Evaluation

Door Prizes

How to Reach UsDepartment of

Family and Community Outreach

William Paca Elementary School

7801 Sheriff Road

Room 307

Landover, Maryland 20785

301-925-2531

Notes: