The Second Annual School Mental Health Conference Families. Schools, and Communities: Working Together to Improve Student Mental Health SEL is a Collaborative Affair/ Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) Presented by: Caryn Curry and Michael Knowles June 27, 2012 Lisle, IL

Let us put our minds together and see what kind of life we can make for our children. -Sitting Bull

What is SEL A PROCESS FOR ACQUIRING SKILLS TO: Recognize and manage emotions Demonstrate caring and concern for others Establish positive relationships Make responsible decisions Handle challenging situations effectively Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning, 2005

What are the Core SEL Competencies? social & emotional learning Self-awareness Social awareness Relationship Skills Responsible decision- making Self- management Forming positive relationships, working in teams, and dealing effectively with conflict Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior Managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one’s goals Showing understanding and empathy for others Recognizing one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and limitations Source: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning

Why is Parent Engagement Important? “The research is abundantly clear: nothing motivates a child more than when learning is valued by schools and families/community working together in partnership… These forms of [parent] involvement do not happen by accident or even by invitation. They happen by explicit strategic intervention.” --Michael Fullan (1997a, pp.34-48). Broadening the concept of teacher leadership. In S.Caldwell (Ed.), Professional development in learning-centered schools. Oxford, OH: National Staff Development Council.

Individual Strategies for Parent Engagement Consistently model SEL competencies Remember that parent engagement is different than parent involvement Get professional development about parent engagement Reach out to parents proactively and positively Meet parents where they are, figuratively and physically

Individual Strategies for Parent Engagement Communicate expectations clearly Create two-way communication flow Create assignments that involve parent-child conversation Ask what parent needs to support child’s learning Assume positive intent

School and District Strategies for Parent Engagement Consistently model SEL Competencies Remember that parent engagement is different than parent involvement Use pre-existing opportunities to engage parents Embed SEL and parent engagement in district/school policies and planning

School and District Strategies for Parent Engagement Reach out to parents proactively and positively Provide parent buddies for parents new to school Ask what parents need to support their children’s learning Ask parents what they expect out of school/district; ask what they are willing/able to do to help meet those expectations

Strategies for Community Engagement Develop community service and service learning opportunities for students Invite community members to volunteer Make building available to community Reach out to local businesses

Resources Websites Families-Schools Illinois Parents.org Parent and Educator Partnership National Network of Partnership Schools Illinois PTA Harvard Family Research Project George Lucas Educational Foundation-Edutopia (great videos) National School Climate Center Click Parentswww.schoolclimate.org Healthy Children Search: a. social and emotional; b. resiliencewww.healthychildren.org Raising Caring, Confident, Capable Kids

Resources Books Beyond the Bake Sale: The Essential Guide to Family/School Partnerships, by Anne Henderson et al School-Family Partnerships for Children’s Success, by Evanthia N. Patrikakou et al Other Publications School-Family Partnership Strategies to Enhance Children's Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, CASEL et al; School-Family Partnership Strategies to Enhance Children's Social, Emotional, and Academic Development Engaging Families in Safe Schools, Healthy Students Initiatives: (2011), National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention, Engaging Families in Safe Schools, Healthy Students Initiatives: (2011) Parents and Learning, Sam Redding Learning.pdf Learning.pdf

Resources Tip Sheets/Fact Sheets/Brochures for Parents 10Things to Do at Home Brochures: Children’s Developmental Milestones, Ages 0-5, K-3, 4-6, 7-8, SEL Parent Brochure: Raising Caring, Confident, Capable Children SEL Parent Newsletters IL PTA SEL Resolution onal%20Learning.pdf onal%20Learning.pdf Parent Fact Sheet: SEL at Home Pondering Points

Resources Guides and Toolkits Teaching the Teachers: Preparing Educators to Engage Families for Student Achievement, Harvard Family Research Project, Teaching the Teachers: Preparing Educators to Engage Families for Student Achievement, Working Together: School, Family, and Community Partnerships – Toolkit Center for the Education and Study of Diverse Populations, New Mexico Highlands University, Activities Parents and Teachers Talking Together (PT3) Click Resources then Key Topicswww.pepartnership.org Parent Cafes Click Parents then Parent Cafeswww.strengtheningfamiliesillinois.org Pondering Points

Presenter Caryn Curry SEL Awareness Coordinator Illinois Children’s Mental Health Partnership , x318