1. Building Partnerships with Parents, Families and Communities With PGCPS
Michael A. Robinson,
Coordinating Supervisor, Parental Engagement
Kelly L. Alexander,
Community Outreach Officer

2. Purpose
Participants will identify the basic ingredients of an effective parent involvement program in order to create a school climate that increases parent participation.

3. Process PowerPoint Presentation Interactive Activities
Sharing with Other Participants

4. 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

5. Workshop Norms Participate Freely Encourage Others’ Participation
Practice Respectful Listening
Refrain From Side Conversation, Reading Newspapers, Phone Calls, etc.
Have Fun

6. Two Heads Are Better Than One

7. Define Parental Involvement

8. 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.

9. 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

10. What the Research Says About Parent/Family Involvement and Participation
All 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.

11. What the Research Says About Parent/Family Involvement and Participation
Effective 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.

12. Comer and Family Involvement Levels of parent involvement in Comer SDP School.
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

13. Six Types of Parent Involvement
Epstein (1995) describes six types of parental involvement in schools:
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.
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.

14. …Types of Parent Involvement
Volunteering. Parents volunteer their time and talents at school activities and fundraising.
Learning at Home. Parents help their children with homework and with setting educational goals.

15. …Types of Parent Involvement
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.

16. Integration of Comer & Epstein
School
Management
5-10%
(Type 5)
School Governance, Leadership and Advocacy
Improves Student Achievement
Level III
Level II
Active Daily Participation
30%
(Type 3) Volunteering in Schools
(Type 6) Community Linked Services
Improves School Effectiveness
Broad Participation and General Support
60%
(Type 6) Community –Linked Services
(Type 4) Learning Activities at Home
(Type 2) Two-way Home –to-School Communication
Improves School Climate
Level I

17. Positive Outcomes of School, Family, and Community Partnerships
Type
Students
Parents
School/Staff
Parenting
Communicating
Volunteering
Learning at Home
Decision Making
Collaboration of Community

18. Share Your Outcomes

19. 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

20. Back To The First Activity

21. What Have You Learned Today That You Can Use or Share?

22. Q & A Evaluation Door Prizes

23. How to Reach Us Department of Family and Community Outreach
William Paca Elementary School
7801 Sheriff Road
Room 307
Landover, Maryland 20785

24. Notes: