Let’s FACE it! Part 3
TOP 5 Family Engagement Strategies for Success
in Preschool – Grade 5
La Tefy G. Schoen, Ph. D.
www.laspdg.org
WELCOME
On behalf of the Louisiana State Personnel Development Grant,
I would like to welcome you to today’s webinar “ Let’s FACE it!”
This is Part 2 in a series on effective Family and Community Engagement.
My name is Dr. La Tefy Schoen and I am an
educational consultant with Learning Innovations in Baton Rouge.
2
The presentation will be available for future viewing at www.laspdg.org under FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
Questions?
If you have a question pertaining to this webinar or the La SPDG Project
Please EMAIL US !
•Content-related questions: [email protected]
•LaSPDG grant-related questions - Melanie Lemoine [email protected]
We use People First Language!
Kathie Snow. (n.d.) A few words about People First Language. Disability is Natural. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/images/PDF/pfl-sh09.pdf Kathie Snow. (n.d.) A few words about People First Language. Disability is Natural. Retrieved August 1, 2012 from http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/images/PDF/pfl-sh09.pdf
“People First Language puts the person before the disability and describes what a person has, not who a person is.”
Purpose of this Let’s FACE it!
Series:
1. Review Research on Effective FACE Programs
2. Examine our current practices
3. Develop/adapt practices that have greater impact on student
academic success
The Building Blocks of an effective FACE Program
Built on 20+ years of research on Family Engagement in education.
3 COMPONENTS are needed to build an effective home/school partnership that positively impacts student learning!
A Review of the Literature indicates
A multi-faceted approach to engaging families • Organized Volunteer Program• Providing School Information • Parent Education Program• Home Learning Resources• Two Way Communication
Systems• Student Assistance Programs• Staff Development Program
An annual review/revision process
• Feedback from multiple stakeholders
• Goal focused/action oriented
• Informed by current research on best practices
Build a strong & effective FACE Program
P-5 Strategy 1 Well Organized Volunteer Program
Why is this important?
• Introduces parents to school climate/culture • Establishes Relationships • Builds Trust in the School
Strategy 1 Volunteer ProgramVolunteer Programorganize
d
P-5 Strategy 2Parent Education Program
• Empowers parents & families
• Builds trust & goodwill
• Builds knowledge & skills that enhance student achievement
• Minimizes parent frustration & anxiety
P-5 Strategy 2 Parent Education Program
Generate a Calendar 2-4 Parent Education Topics & Event Dates
Select High Interest Topics•Parents & Teachers suggestMake events pleasurable & memorable •Include children in any way possible (introductions, skit, poem, pledge)•Provide Food• Have FUN: Door prizes; contest; recognize staff, volunteers or studentsBe inclusive • Remember those who need childcare, transportation or interpreters•Presentations should be interactivePublish materials parents can reference anytime•Videotape presentation •Provide handouts, reading, resources
P-5 Parent Education
1. Child Development & Behavior Modification -age specific attributes-recommend strategies & resources
2. Curriculum Mastery- small & grade specific
3. General Cognitive Growth Strategies-everyday interactions & activities parents can use
4. Characteristics of Specific Types of Learners
P-5 Strategy 3Home Learning Resources
• Send concrete materials that students can use at home to promote – general cognitive growth – curriculum mastery
• Provide a list of online websites for children in this age group• User friendly Resources –include simple written directions of
how to use the materials• Differentiate Home Learning Resources from homework
– no due date or penalty
• Provide an incentive for students to use the home learning resources
P-5 Strategy 4 Two-way Communication
• Reaches more families• Improves relationships & builds trust
– Informal chats with teachers empower families– Informed parents empower teachers
• Increases mutual understandings– Fewer discipline problems– Eliminates the need for “child-as the-go-between”
Students who perceive their teachers and parents are working together to help them have Better attitudes
More confidence in their own ability to improve Higher student standardized test scores
P-5 Strategy 4 Two-way Communication Systems
Establish a Parent Outreach ProgramAsk each teacher to call each parent Call each parent EVERY 3 Weeks
Report child’s progress Discuss concerns Inform/remind of upcoming events
Keep a phone-contact log for each student
P-5 Strategy 5 Staff Development on Family Engagement
Include administrators, non-instructional staff & parent leaders
1.Cover general information on the impact of family engagement on student achievement2.Outline how specific Family engagement programs work
• Unifies efforts• Builds Capacity• Increases effectiveness• Increases sustainability because it generates interest & assistance
3.Network with Family Engagement Groups Outside of your district
• sparks creativity & builds enthusiasm
Staff Development on Family Engagement Makes a HUGE difference!
Well-developed Family Engagement Programs include …
strong input from parents collaborative planning by teachers
guidance & support from administratorsPERIODIC REVISION
The SET acronym focuses us on the most important aspects as in a FACE program, based on a wealth of research.
In FACE programs that build strong structures, expectations, and trusting relationships, research indicates you can expect to see:
Higher GPAsHigher standardized test scoresMore high school credits earnedMore difficult courses takenBetter attendanceFewer discipline problems at home & school
Start by planning structures that establish positive expectations and build trust !
for Success
For more information on Family Engagement Strategies that Impact Student Achievement
Dr. La Tefy Schoenwww.Learning-innovations.com
The contents of this PowerPoint presentation were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, #H323A110003. However those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.
www.laspdg.org
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