WE KNOW THE ADVANTAGES OF PARENT INVOLVEMENT… Studies demonstrate parent/family involvement directly impacts student outcomes – in a positive way. Positive attitudes toward school increase Students’ achievement increases Attendance improves Homework completion improves

Studies also demonstrate : Graduation rates increase More graduates go on to post-secondary education Our schools improve.

PARENTS/FAMILIES BENEFIT AS WELL… They gain a greater knowledge of their school systems. They gain more knowledge regarding how to support their children. They feel more empowered.

AND, EDUCATORS BENEFIT … They become more effective teachers. Their expectations of students increase. They are better able to understand the families they serve. Their appreciation of parent involvement improves. Their morale improves.

DR. KAREN MAPP HIGHLIGHTS FOR CORE BELIEFS CORE BELIEF 1 All parents have dreams for their children and want the best for them

CORE BELIEF 2 All parents have the capacity to support their children’s learning

CORE BELIEF 3 Parents and school staff should be equal partners

CORE BELIEF 4 The responsibility for building partnerships between school and home rests primarily with school staff, especially school leaders

REACHING OUT VS. REACHING IN “Reaching out to parents is easier for educators than “reaching in” to teachers and other staff is for parents.” (Mapp, p. 40).

I am a busy woman. I have a full time job and three young children. I care deeply about my children, but the day- to-day demands prevent me from getting involved in my children’s schools. A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE

I don’t speak English well, so I find it very difficult to communicate with my daughter’s teachers. Even when there is an interpreter, it is hard for me to understand all that is going on. I find it very frustrating. But, I want to do all that I can for my child. ANOTHER PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE

WE NEED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN GETTING FAMILIES PARTICIPATING – MAKING IT A PRIORITY BECAUSE WE KNOW IT WILL HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT. IF WE’RE NOT GETTING FAMILIES INVOLVED, WHAT ARE WE DOING?