Community Outreach Update Parent/Family Engagement Month 1 October 1, 2015 Rena Anderson Director, Community Engagement

October is Alabama’s Statewide Parent Visitation Month 2 The purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of parental engagement and the key role that parents play in their child’s education Theme: Home and Schools: Cultivating Positive Relationships When parents are engaged in their children’s education in positive ways, children achieve higher grades, demonstrate more positive attitudes/behavior, graduate at higher rates and have greater enrollment in higher education.

What does Parental Engagement Look Like? 3 Stay connected and “in the know” with school/district activities: Review school/district calendars Learn how to use Edmodo Have your child show you how to access digital curriculum Check student grades online Learn about career readiness programs, course offerings, after-school programs Read with your child Review school newsletter/website

What does Parental Engagement Look Like? 4 School/Parent: Discuss Student Progress Review Grades and Attendance Record on INOW system Attend school tours, Lunch and Learns, Open House, Parent/Teacher Conference, PTA meetings/events, etc. Review hand-outs/materials sent home with student Have lunch with your child Highlight student artwork Work on school projects together Learn about community resources available to families

What Does Research Say About Parent Engagement? 5 The most accurate predictor of a student’s achievement in school is not family income or social status, but the extent to which the student’s family is able to: 1.Create a home environment that encourages learning 2.Communicate high, yet reasonable expectations for their children’s achievement and future careers 3.Become involved in their children’s education at school and in their community

Parents/Families have the Greatest Impact on Their Children’s Lives 6 This month is an opportunity for parents and the community to show their support for public education – our schools, teachers, students and learning PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships: Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community – 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 and doing in class