Presented By: FOREST OF THE RAIN PRODUCTIONS, INC. Education4and2Parents Resource Center

 There are multiple definitions of parental engagement? an alternative way to bring teachers and parents together in schools, an alternative possibility for changing the scripted story of schools (Pushor, 2002) it refers to any activity, any communication and any expectation that a parent engages in to support their children learning and education (Sanders, 2010)

 There are multiple definitions of parental engagement? We want parents to be partners with schools and decision makers with schools; to be able to work effectively with their children at home; to be able to be advocates for their children and all the children that they work with within their communities. (Susan Shaffer, 2009)

 An effective partnership between school, parents/families, and community means the mutual collaboration, support and participation of key adult stakeholders in efforts that directly and positively affect the academic achievement and psychosocial development of students. (unknown, nd).

 The Importance of Parental Engagement A parents’ engagement has an important role in the motivation of students’ academic performance and relationship with their teachers (Berger, 1995 and Cunningham, 2002) There is a clear link between parent involvement and student academic success (Furrer and Skinner, 2002)

 In a 2009 survey conducted by Forest of The Rain Productions, parents offered the following definition of parental engagement: Involved in the home school or parent teacher association Meeting with teachers prior to the first day of school. Having a visible presence at school Keep good communication with the school and your child's teacher Monitoring of homework Use s in stay in contact with the teachers Awareness of school expectations volunteer, volunteer, extra curriculum activity support extra curriculum activity

You can participate in the survey by clicking the link below:  alengagement

 Dr. Joyce Epstein Six Types of Parent Involvement in Education The six types can provide opportunities for school communities to make research-based decisions that best meet the needs of students, staff, and community partners

 Six Types of Parent Involvement Parenting. The basic obligations of parents include housing, health, nutrition, and safety for their children. Parents also should provide home conditions for learning at all levels. Communicating. The basic obligations of schools include school-to-home communication such as memos, notices, newsletters, report cards, conferences, and phone calls plus information on the school, courses, programs, and activities. Volunteering. Parents volunteer their time and talents at school activities and fundraising.

 Six Types of Parent Involvement Learning at Home. Parents help their children with homework and with setting educational goals. Decision Making. Parents participate in PTA/PTO organizations and school decisions on policy, leadership, and advocacy. Collaborating with the Community. Parents encourage partnerships with community resources and services.

 Students: Higher grades and test scores Better attendance and more homework done More positive attitudes and behavior Higher graduation rates Greater enrollment in postsecondary education

 Parent: More confidence in the school Higher expectations of their children More assistance at home Enrollment in continuing education

 School: Improved teacher morale Higher ratings of teachers by parents More support from families Higher student achievement Better reputations in the community

Benefits of Parental Engagement: Parenting practices of engagement continue to have an impact during the high school years. This is reflected in higher GPA, increase effort and concentration in math, science, and social studies. (Steinberg, et al., 1992)

This was the question posed by the Denver Public Schools (DPS) to parents. In an effort to measure just how engaged parents perceived themselves to be, DPS created a short quiz for parents to take. We invite our parents to take the quiz. Feel free to comment on your results in our comment section for this posting.

1. YES /NO Do you make sure your student completes his/her homework? 2. YES/ NO Are you a member of the PTA/PTO in your school? 3. YES/ No Do you make sure your student reads everyday? 4.YES/ NO Do you vol4unteer at your child's school? 5. YES /NO Are you on the CSC committee? (the decision making body for the school

 6. YES /NO Do you regularly attend parent/teacher conferences? 7. YES /NO Do you participate in parent trainings/workshops? 8. YES /NO Do you attend family nights such as literacy and math? 9. YES /NO Are you involved in the school improvement plan?

 10. YES /NO Do you communicate regularly with your child's teacher? 11. YES /NO Do you know the reading level of your child? 12. YES/ NO Do you call the attendance line when your child is ill? 13. YES /NO Are you on the interviewing committee at your school?

Visit the link below to score your quiz……. 10/02/13/just-how-engaged-are-you/

Thank You Forest Of The Rain Productions P.O. Box 326 Savage, Maryland