1. Parent Engagement Plan 2012
HOUR MIDDLE SCHOOL
Parent Engagement Plan
2012

2. Tonight's Objectives
Explain the difference between parent involvement and parent engagement.
Identify possible reasons why over 50% of Hour Parents are not engaged.
Review what the research says about parent engagement.
Outline the plan to engage the parents in the learning of Hour’s students.

3. Involvement vs Engagement
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents show up to school for various school events. Events such as curriculum nights, PTA suppers, parent teacher conferences, sporting events, etc. . .
PARENT ENGAGEMENT
Parents are actively engaged in their child’s learning. This is a proactive approach to engage parents into what is happening in their child’s learning.

4. Why are Hour M.S. Parents Not Getting Engaged in Their Child’s Learning?
They are not aware of different events happening at school.
They are too busy.
Some parents are not comfortable with the language.
They don’t think it is important. Teaching should be left up to the teachers.
They simply don’t know how to engage in their child’s learning!

5. So What is the Plan??? Plan Consists of 4 Parts.
Teachers have weekly communication with parents via /letter. Includes topics being covered and 3 ways parents can help.
2) Communication Team - This team will be organized with Hour’s PTA, however, it will be smaller and its focus will be solely on parent outreach. This team will be a diverse team that will attempt to mirror the diversity of the school population.

6. “Parents Make the Difference” program.
Monthly Newsletter – Highlight school events and include tips for engaging in child’s learning.
“Parents Make the Difference” program.
When – One night a month, but times need to be flexible.
Where – School media center and if attendance is poor will reach out to local community centers to periodically hold meeting there.
What - Time for Parents to come to see what is going on in their child’s classroom. Parents will be given and taught ways to engage in their child’s learning. Teachers will teach parents strategies for helping students in various subjects. Parents will spend 15 minutes with each of their child’s teachers, and the night will conclude with a Hotdog supper provided by Hour’s PTA. Teachers will also have material in Spanish for parents not comfortable with English language.

7. How Do We Get the Parents to Come???
Communication team – Helps contact parents and gives feedback about what concerns parents are having.
Flexibility with meeting times and places (Community center or church possibly)
Weekly teacher communication s
Connect-ed message night before to remind parents.
Hotdog supper

8. Staff Expectations
Teachers are to provide weekly updates through and hard copies for students.
3 things parents can do with their child for the week.
One night a month attend “Parents Make the Difference” night where they provide strategies for parents about how they can engage.

9. Why is Parent Engagement so Important? What does the Research say?
School age children spend 70% of their waking hours (including weekends and holidays) outside of school. - Clark, R.M. (1990).
Family participation in education was twice as predictive of students’ academic success as family socioeconomic status. Some of the more intensive programs had effects that were 10 times greater than other factors. (Walberg (1984)
Decades of research by Parent Teachers Association show that when parents are involved students have
Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates
Better school attendance
Increased motivation, better self-esteem
Lower rates of suspension
Decreased use of drugs and alcohol
Fewer instances of violent behavior