Faith Based Connections for Academic Success 2196 Main Street, Suite K Dunedin, Florida

Objectives  To give an overview of PIRC services  To identify strategies that support education  To look at programs that can be used by faith based organizations  To identify techniques for implementation

Parent Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs) PIRCs are projects of the U.S. Dept. of Education Every state has at least one PIRC PIRCs are written into the NCLB Act of 2001, Title I, Part A, Section 1118 ED awarded PIRC grants in 2006, is Year 4 of the 5 year grant cycle

Our Mission To provide services free of charge in order to strengthen partnerships with families, educators, and the community to enhance family involvement in all areas of decision- making in order to impact children and their families in meeting their educational needs.

The Florida PIRC of FND Goals/Areas of Emphasis  Early Childhood  State Accountability  Supplemental Educational Services  Public School Choice  Parent Involvement Policies  Faith Based Outreach  Statewide Impact

Faith Based Outreach Provide information and resources in the faith based community to and for parents to promote parent involvement.

What is Six Sundays For Success?  Six Parent Involvement tips designed to help families understand the importance of being involved in their children’s education.  Six tips to be used over six consecutive weeks.  There are two separate series of tips making a total of twelve tips.

Six Tips continues  The first is “Six Sunday for Success”  These are traditional used at the beginning of the school year  The second is “Six Sundays for FCAT Success”  These are given in the Fall prior to the second semester

How can these tips be used?  These six tips can be used as part of a message, listed in the program or bulletin, placed on the marquee or used for discussion groups.  One tip, each week, for six consecutive weeks.

WEEK ONE  The beginning of school is just a few weeks away. Did you know that every summer activity you do with your child is a learning experience? You are your child’s first teacher. When you spend time having fun, reading a book or doing a craft you show that you care and experience the joy of your parent-child relationship. That’s parent involvement!

WEEK TWO  There are easy ways to tap into your child’s interest in their world. Find “teachable moments”. Ask your child questions about their interests, friends and favorite activities. Talk with them about your faith. Teach them about their family and heritage. Give them a love of learning!

WEEK THREE  “I don’t want to go back to school!” The “unknowns” in life can make us resistant and anxious. If we can give our children information about the “unknowns” it will help. Reassure your child about making new friends and meeting new teachers. Tell him you are thinking of him while he is at school and have faith in his success!

WEEK FOUR  Investing in your child brings great rewards. Invest time in your child by listening to their thoughts about school each day. It will be rewarding for you both. You will see how much they are learning and you can be the support they need to achieve in school.

WEEK FIVE  Meet the teachers! The start of school is a good time to show your interest. Whether an open house or a scheduled appointment, you, your child and the teacher will benefit from your involvement. Extend your hand in partnership and good will!

WEEK SIX  You are well on your way into the new school year. Continue investing time in your child, listening to them and encouraging them. Share the joy and keep the faith with your child in a new and successful school year!

Six Sundays for FCAT Success

Week One  Early Spring and second semester brings FCAT for students in Florida’s Schools. You are your child’s first and most important teacher. This test is an important part of your child’s education so encourage your child and reassure them of your support and prayers for this important test

Week Two  FCAT Writing is the first test and it is given in February. Have your child practice writing in complete sentences on homework, etc. Parent and child can take turns dictating and writing sentences or a story. Personal experiences can add valuable points to a writing question. Share your life stories with your children

Week Three  The FCAT requires your child to have broad background of knowledge and a good understanding of vocabulary. Start asking your child high order questions by simply substituting or adding key words at the beginning of your question. For example changing “what” to “how” or using “why did” or “how would you” at the beginning of questions to your child.

Week Four  Reading is key to success on the FCAT. Take turns reading and discussing what was read with your child. Ask questions about what is being read as you read. Let reading become a part of family time where all family members are engaged in reading.

Week Five  Math is a vital part of the FCAT and as parents we can demonstrate how math is a part of our every day lives. For example have your child help with the cooking, using various sizes and types of measuring tools. In the grocery store have your child sort or categorize items and estimate change due after a purchase.

Week Six The FACT is not a test your can cram for but parents can help their child prepare…..  Praise and award your child’s efforts  Stay in touch with teachers  Ensure adequate rest and nutritious meals  Make good use of time  Ask high order questions

How Do I Sign Up?  Complete the commitment portion of the brochure  Give to the presenter at the end of the workshop  At the end of the six weeks complete the bottom section and fax or mail to FND

Examples of Faith Based Techniques  A board of honor where students are recognize for school success  Victorious vocabulary  Use biblical stories for FCAT, writing, reading and math practice  Adopt a school or classroom  Mentor and tutor students at school and in your places of worship

THANK YOU!!!!!!!! PLEASE COMPLETE THE EVALUATIONS The Florida PIRC of Family Network on Disabilities 2196 Main Street, Suite K Dunedin, Florida