INVOLVING STAKEHOLDERS Heather Ouzts, NC DPI Parent Liaison Beverly Roberts, ECAC NC SIP Project Coordinator

Contact Info: Heather Ouzts Parent Liaison NC DPI: Policy, Monitoring & Audit Beverly Roberts Project Coordinator, NC SIP Project Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (ECAC) , ext. 323

General Supervision SPP/APR Data Collection Dispute Resolution System Policies, Practices and Procedures Monitoring Activities Improvement, Correction, Incentives, & Sanctions Targeted Technical Assistance Fiscal Management

Academics Continuum of Transitions Behavior SSIP: Focus for Improvement Engagement

This Professional Learning Supports Improved Graduation Rate for Students with Disabilities by: Active implementation of evidence-based instruction, preK through secondary Local capacity building Technical and adaptive leadership Comprehensive and efficient assessment system Student, Family, Staff, and Community Engagement Academics Active implementation of evidence-based behavioral programming, preK through secondary Local capacity building Culturally responsive instruction Positive school/class climate Comprehensive and efficient assessment system Student, Family, Staff, and Community Engagement Behavior Active implementation of evidence-based transition practices, preK to post- secondary Local capacity building Systemic and coordinated supports (including wraparound), preK to post- secondary Consistent attendance Extracurricular and/or employment opportunities Student, Family, Staff, and Community Engagemen t Continuum of Transitions Engagement

CORE ELEMENT 6: COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION This core element examines how the LEA ensures EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION (internally and externally, as well as across all levels) and involves ALL stakeholders in meaningful ways.

What is a stakeholder? A ​ person such as an ​ employee, ​ customer, or ​ citizen who is ​ involved with an ​ organization, ​ society, etc. and ​ therefore has ​ RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS IT and an ​ INTEREST IN ​ ITS ​ SUCCESS. Stakeholder. (2016). In Cambridge Dictionaries Online. Retrieved from

ENCOURAGING MEANINGFUL COLLABORATION “Every child’s education takes place within a relationship of families and professionals.” Hedeen, T., Marshall, P., & Moses, P. (2011, July). Encouraging Meaningful Parent/ Educator Collaboration: A Review of Recent Literature. Retrieved from Y2011.pdf Y2011.pdf

Initiation and Sustainability Any stakeholder may initiate a deeper PARTNERSHIP between families and schools, but ALL involved must work to sustain it. FamilyCommunitySchool

Apples vs. Oranges… Every school community must DEFINE PARENT/SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT LOCALLY, recognizing that no two communities are identical. Four Common Themes: Open and consistent communication, honesty, respect, and trust.

What is in your PD plan? How are you developing leaders, including parents? SPECIFIC TRAINING IN COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND COLLABORATIVE APPROACHES should be a priority for teachers, administrators, and parents. [Image]. Retrieved from

Are you INTENTIONAL in your planning? Schools, school districts, PTAs, and others should CREATE POLICIES, STRUCTURES, AND EVENTS to support family/school engagement, including informal opportunities for interaction of all stakeholders. Family/School Engagement PoliciesEvents Informal Interactions Structures

Who do you need at the table? Families and schools should RECOGNIZE THE OCCASIONAL NEED FOR OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE, from resources or individuals beyond the immediate stakeholders.

Work smarter, not harder! Schools and parents should consider how TECHNOLOGY can support their relationships. [Image]. Retrieved from

Beverly Roberts Project Coordinator, NC SIP Project , ext 323

Schools that succeed in engaging diverse stakeholders share three key practices: They focus on building trusting, collaborative relationships. Schools recognize, respect and address family’s / stakeholder’s needs, as well as cultural and class differences. They embrace a philosophy of partnership where power and responsibility are shared.

The “Joining” Process : Connecting to the Core Elements Describes how schools can successfully develop a culture that honors and validates stakeholders. 1.Welcoming 2.Honoring 3.Connecting

Welcoming Stakeholders are made to feel part of the community. Guiding Question: –How does the LEA encourage stakeholder participation, not only of families, but also of other child-serving agencies and community partners?

Honoring Stakeholders members are genuinely respected and affirmed for the contributions they make. Guiding Question: –How does your LEA meet stakeholder advisory obligations (NCSIP Steering Committee, Special Education Advisory Council input)?

Connecting Children are at the center with stakeholders working together to improve educational outcomes and parents are equipped with skills to help their children. Guiding Question: –How does your LEA provide disability awareness, resources, IEP understanding, and information about graduation requirements to families?

How can we help? EC Division Efforts: –Resources for Parent Involvement Network of Parent Liaisons, Advisory Councils, and PTAs Toolkit for Parent Engagement Website: Parent Resources –Revision of Handbook on Parents’ Rights

Do you have questions about Parent Liaisons or Advisory Councils? Survey for Toolkit Questions? ECAC Training for Advisory Councils –Training designed to assist local school districts with the development and ongoing support of Parent Advisory Boards –Leadership workshops for families, including Parents As Collaborative Leaders training

Questions?