Learning Module 4 Becoming an Active Volunteer/Parent Leader in BCSD

A strong group needs good leadership to accomplish its goals BCSD’s goals: Empower parents with the skills and knowledge to support their children academically Create parent leaders to share that knowledge with other parents

Our Purpose for Creating Parent Leaders P.A.L.s = Parents As Leaders Empower parents to work in partnership with other parents and school staff to deliver the parent learning modules and inspire other leaders.

Content Objective: Learn how to become a parent leader (PALs = Parents As Leaders), and what the characteristics are of a leader. Language Objective: Sentence frame is “I can ________ at my child’s school. I plan to _____________ this year.” Social Objective: We will exchange ideas in collaborative conversations.

Team- Building Exercise Hope, Fears and Expectations Group people into twos or threes Ask people to discuss their expectations for the presentation, including their fears and their hopes Gather the group's responses by collecting three to four hopes, fears and expectations from each pairing or threesome.

P.A.L.s Roles and Responsibilities the Three C’s ① Content - Receive training and learn content of Learning Modules ① Collaborate with Parent Center CRL to share presentation ① Communicate with other parents of learned skills

Leadership Characteristics Confident Organized Hospitable Receptive Goal Oriented Flexible Enthusiastic Humorous

Confident You must believe in yourself Part of gaining confidence is your own willingness to take risks and actively pursue opportunities to feature your strengths

Organized P.A.L.s materials are provided for you in both English and Spanish Power points can be accessed from the BCSD website Handouts can be obtained from any Parent Center CRL or the Parent Involvement Program at the District Office The Parent Center CRL will collaborate with you on setting a date and time to deliver the Learning Modules

Behind the Scenes 1. Parent Center CRLs will have their schedule of trainings for the Learning Modules 2. Choose a date that works for you 3. Meet and discuss with the CRL which part of the presentation you would like to present 4. The CRL will produce the notices of the class and bring in the parents 5. As a PAL you will take turns presenting the material with the CRL 6. As your comfort level and confidence increase – you may take on more of the presentation until you feel ready to do it on your own.

Hospitable Will parents feel comfortable? Are there refreshments? Are children welcome? Is there time for parents to introduce themselves to each other?

Receptive An effective PAL is receptive to the other members of the group: Ways to show you are a receptive leader:  Brainstorm ideas with the entire group  Allow the talents and gifts of others to be revealed  Publicly acknowledge those gifts and value them  Encourage other parents to use their talents by also taking on a leadership role and become a P.A.L.

Goal-Oriented P.A.L.s will deliver the techniques in the Learning Modules  Keep the message consistent  Maintain confidentiality Share the skills and techniques to other parents on how to support their students academically Empower and encourage more parent leaders through the trainings

Flexible P.A.L.s allows for parents to work with the Parent Center CRL in presenting the material:  At their own comfort level  At a time convenient for them

Enthusiastic Showing enthusiasm about what you are doing, your energy and excitement will spread to others and engage them to want to join you Encourage others to want to be a member of P.A.L.s and share that energy as well

Humorous It is fun to be around a parent leader who enjoys humor and laughter While being a parent is a stressful job, most parents have funny stories to tell about parenting experiences. As a PAL, encouraging laughter can help you: o Relieve tension and your nerves o Grab and keep your audience’s attention o Find common ground with others in order to bring about a win-win agreement

The Parents Have Arrived!

Presenting to Adults 101 Give a confident introduction Don’t tell them “what” till you tell them “why. “I’m going to show you how to help your students become better readers” OR “I’m going to show you some tips on promoting positive behaviors at home and at school” Make sure parents understand how your presentation will benefit them

Presentation Tips Prior to giving the class – know and understand the content Try not to only read the slides – use the notes to help you have a better understanding of what you are presenting Remind parents of how and why this will benefit them and their children

Let’s Review - How to become a P.A.L. 1. Attend and receive training on Learning Modules 2. Work with Parent Center CRL to co-present at future Module trainings 3. Receive support from CRL to take learning back to your school site 4. Deliver lessons to other parents 5. Invite more parents to become P.A.L.s

Becoming a P.A.L. Bonus How to encourage and motivate other leaders Presentation Packets in both English and Spanish Handouts in English and Spanish Power points available at BCSD website under P.A.L.s Support and assistance from the Parent Center CRL Sign-in sheets, evaluation forms and refreshments will be taken care of by the Parent Center CRL

Questions