Effective Family Engagement Strategies

Tiffany Reese, Senior Program Manager - NELA Roseann London, Director - UW GEAR UP Educator Development Initiative

Research on the Benefits of Family Engagement Evidence of positive association (grades/scores, higher-level programs, improved attendance, graduation and postsecondary enrollment) GEAR UP specific research, areas of development/growth Engagement at the middle/high school level  Different from elementary model  More complex setting, curriculum choices, multiple teachers  Need is for parental support/encouragement & postsecondary planning (Hill and Tyson, 2009; Wimberly and Noeth, 2005).

CHILD FAMILY COMMUNITY SCHOOL Epstein’s Overlapping Spheres of Influence

Dr. Joyce Epstein's Framework of Involvement Communicating Volunteering Parenting Learning at Home Decision Making Family Involvement Collaborating with Community

Obstacles  Time challenges  Uncertainty of the role they play in the education of their children, and a lack of confidence in their own contribution to the educational process  Past negative personal experiences  The stress and instability of difficult life circumstances  Their need to better understand and function within the public education system  Lack of clear and consistent information and communication from the school  Unfriendly, unwelcoming school atmosphere Source: WA Office of Education Ombudsman (2010)

Discussion…  What obstacles to family engagement are most pressing in your school/program?

 What does Family Engagement look like at your school/organization?  What best/promising practices have you identified? Discussion…