We’re all in this Together: Meaningful Family and Community Involvement

1. We’re all in this Together: Meaningful Family and Community Involvement Chapter 12

2. 5 0 “What the best and wisest parent wants for his own child, that must the community want for all its children.” • Plato said that. • Horace Mann said that. • John Dewey said that. • George W. Bush said that.

3. Lack of parent participation • Lack of babysitting • Lack of transportation • Inability to take time from the job(s) • Inability to speak and/or understand English • Belief that the school knows best, so no reason to come • Little education, intimidated by the teacher • Disability or illness, reducing ease of mobility

4. James Comer says a society must: • Develop a sound and growing economy that permits the participation of all citizens. • Maintain sound community and family functioning so that critical tasks, particularly child rearing, can be well performed. • Have a culture that values both and facilitates the critical interaction between the two.

5. 5 0 I want to spend most of my efforts toward: • Making a living economically. • Making a successful home life. • Having an enjoyable life. • Finding balance, thus optimizing none of the above

6. What Parents Want • Don’t give up on Students • Maintain high Expectations • Enhance lines of Communication • Put variety in the Instructional Day • Build Strong Relationships

7. Teachers should listen for: • What would you like me to know about your child? • What is working well for you and your child about this class/school? • What concerns do you have about your child’s academic progress, this class, or this school? • What do you need to know more about? • How do you think the educational experience could be more meaningful for everyone?

8. Teachers should listen for: • What are ways that you would like your child’s culture to be affirmed in school? • What are examples of the ways that your child’s culture has been negated in school? • What should we do differently? • What kinds of experiences or instructional materials would you like to be a part of your child’s experiences at school?

9. The Coalition for Community Schools works to achieve the goals • Children are ready to learn when they enter school and every day thereafter. • All students learn and achieve to high standards. • Families and neighborhoods are safe, supported, and engaged. • Parents and community members are involved with the school and their own lifelong learning.

10. Coalition for Community Schools’ six key principles • Foster strong partnerships • Share accountability for results • Set high expectations for all • Build on the community’s strengths • Embrace diversity • Avoid cookie cutter solutions