ENHANCING PARENT ENGAGEMENT 2016-2017 Henderson Middle School October 20, 2016 5:00pm to 6:00pm Location 6th Grade Conference Room

Today’s Goals Discuss the benefits of parent engagement for students, parents and staff Define successful parent engagement Identify barriers to successful parent engagement Delineate what we can do to overcome these barriers and foster successful parental engagement Identify the ways parents can be involved in their child’s education

Fall Parent Questionnaire Results Insert your schools results from the Spring Parent Questionnaire here. Discuss what the numbers mean.

What is Parent Engagement?

Definition Parent Engagement is an ongoing process that increases active participation, communication and collaboration between parents, schools and communities with the goal of educating the whole child to ensure student achievement and success. This is the definition from the U.S. Department of Education. What parts of this did we identify? Which parts did we not mention? (Take answers from parents and discuss)

Why is Parent Engagement so important?

According to the US Department of Education it is critical for… Closing the achievement gap between disadvantaged and minority students and their peers Changing the culture of schools so they invest in and define success as the academic achievement of every child

Who benefits from parent engagement?

Student Benefits Higher achievement in reading Better attendance Positive attitudes and behavior Higher grades and test scores with fewer placements in Special Education High graduation rates and greater enrollment in post-secondary education Overall higher student achievement

School/Teacher Benefits Higher student achievement Increased student attendance Better staff morale Improved school atmosphere Fewer parent complaints Network of supportive parents and communities

Community Benefits Decreased crime and vandalism Decreased drug use Increased community service

Student achievement improves… In a home environment which encourages learning When parents express high yet realistic expectations for their children’s achievement and future careers When parents become involved in their children’s education at school and in the community

Parents are more likely to become involved when: Parents understand that they SHOULD be involved Parents feel INVITED by their school and children Parents feel CAPABLE of making a contribution

The PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships These are the PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships. The Georgia Department of Education has adopted these standards and utilizes them in all of their parent/family engagement efforts.

Standard 1: Welcoming All Families Families are active participants in the life of the school and feel welcomed, valued and connected to each other, to school staff and to what students are learning in class. Best Practices: School has a welcoming environment Parents are encouraged to visit the school at any time A variety of family fun events are offered throughout the year Personal interaction between the home and school such as phone calls, letters and meetings school Staff receives training and support for parent engagement Standard 1: Welcoming All Families Definition Best Practices for schools to use

Standard 1: Welcoming All Families How family friendly is your child’s school? Partnership School Families are a partner in achieving educational outcomes We connect family activities to student learning The parent resource center is open, inviting and easy to access Translators are available for non-English parents Student progress is discussed once a month and parents participate in decision-making Visitor parking and the building entrance are clearly marked Open-Door School There’s a parent coordinator to help families if they need something Test scores are explained, if requested, and student work is sent home occasionally We hold multi-cultural nights once a year Parents can raise issues at PTA meetings or see the principal We have a resource center for parents in a classroom down the hall These are the levels of family friendliness. Where does our school fall? Where would be like to be?

Standard 1: Welcoming All Families How family friendly is your child’s school? Come-If-We-Call School Parents are welcome when we invite them- Open House and conference day We’ll let you know if there are any problems with your student We know where to find community services if we need them Fortress School Parents belong at home, not in the school Curriculum and standards are too complex for parents to understand. If students don’t do well, it’s because they don’t get enough family support These parents just don’t care. If parents want more information, they can ask for it These are the levels of family friendliness. Where does our school fall? Where would be like to be?

Standard 2: Communicating Effectively Families and school staff engage in regular, two-way meaningful communication about student learning. Best Practices: All available methods of communication are used Communications are understandable to all parents Parents are given advanced notice Meetings and opportunities are offered at various times/ locations There is two-way communication Communication is a priority for all staff Standard 2: Communicating Effectively Definition Best Practices for schools to use

Standard 2: Communicating Effectively Do you know… The school’s mission and vision? The school’s academic priorities? What you can contribute to help increase student achievement and success? In order to build family engagement, parents need to know… The school’s academic message What they can do to contribute The levels and types of communication at the school How to monitor/share progress Discuss the first bullet.

Standard 2: Communicating Effectively School mission Expect More! S.O.A.R!  We will excel in:  Student Achievement and Growth  Organizational Effectiveness, And Relationships and Perceptions  School vision A community where education is a priority.  Discuss the first bullet.

Standard 2: Communicating Effectively In order to build family engagement, parents need to know… The school’s academic message See handbook What they can do to contribute Parent Workshops PTO Communicate with teachers and administration The levels and types of communication at the school Infinite Campus, Website (school and classroom),Remind, Emails How to monitor/share progress Progress Reports, Report Cards, Infinite Campus Discuss the first bullet.

Standard 3: Supporting Student Success Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support student learning and healthy development both at home and at school and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively. Best Practices: Opportunities exist for parents to learn about their child’s education The link between parent engagement and student achievement is shown Childcare, transportation or food is sometimes offered Standard 3: Supporting Student Success Definition Best practices for schools to use

Standard 3: Supporting Student Success Ways parents can monitor student progress Progress reports/report cards Parent Teacher Conferences Infinite Campus Parent Portal Ways parents can work with students to improve achievement Ask specific questions about the school day (classes, subjects, assignments, classmates, teachers) Help with homework when you can Read with your child and encourage him/her to read independently

Standard 4: Speaking Up for Every Child Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success. Best Practices: Parents are developed as leaders Parents are encouraged to network Family support services are provided Parents are used to train faculty and staff There are concrete ways parents can contribute Parents mentoring other parents Standard 4: Speaking up for every child Definition (BEING AN ADVOCATE) Best practices for schools to use

Standard 5: Sharing Power Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence and create policies, practices and programs. Best Practices: Parents are utilized as true partners Parents are brought into the policy-making process School seeks parent feedback and suggestions Standard 5: Sharing Power Definition Best practices for schools to use

Standard 5: Sharing Power Parents should participate in decision making related to their education of their student. Ways to do this include: Parent Teacher Conferences Participating in school leadership groups PTO School Council Sharing power and communicating are the two most important ways parents and educators can work together to improve student achievement.

Standard 6: Collaborating with the Community Families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect students, families and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services and civic participation. Best Practices: Partners join the shared vision of success Activities involving interaction with local non-profits and community-based organizations are created The school is open to community groups School knows what resources are available and utilizes them Standard 6: Collaborating with the community Definition Best practices for schools to use

Closing Thoughts What does successful parent engagement mean at our school? What barriers to parent engagement currently exist at our school? What goals should we set for our staff members in order to break-down these barriers and enhance parent engagement? What goals should we set for parents in order to aid in enhancing parent engagement? Discuss these closing thoughts. What do parents consider to be successful parent engagement? What barriers exist to parent engagement? Cooperatively develop goals for the school/staff/parents.

Questions and Feedback Input on use of Parent Involvement funds Input on staff training topics Workshop Evaluation