Welcome to the 2 nd Community Conversation about Education Haddam/Killingworth

Agenda Welcome Introduction Small Group Discussions Break/Refreshments Large Group Reconvene to Share Ideas

William Caspar Graustein Memorial Foundation The Foundation Supports School Change by Informing the public debate on educational issues Strengthening the involvement of parents and the community in education Community Conversations about Education Project Has now engaged citizens in 85 Connecticut cities and towns Has an opportunity for communities to engage in civic dialogue about education issues Has provided a structure for citizens begin to find common ground on which to build and implement action plans for improving education and the lives of children

What is Today All About? The Role of the Parent and the Community in our Children’s Education

Why This? Why Now? Why You? 2011 Community Conversation What is the Purpose of Public Education started an ongoing dialogue. Primary emerging theme was the role of the parent and the community and the need to further define, engage, and educate. Alumni Grant received from Graustein Memorial Fund to host a second conversation to focus on this question. Engage RSD17 Administrators and Educators along with parents, community members to develop specific actions that can be implemented.

Who is Here Today? Present statistics (parents, educators, pre- school parents, business owners, seniors, civic groups, rsd17 board and administrators, students

What We Need to Succeed Today Enthusiastic participation! Open and honest dialogue Open-mindedness Willingness to share ideas Willingness to act on suggestions – be a part of the solution Respectfulness - Agree to disagree

Our Question The Question: What can we do in our schools and our community to inspire and help parents and community members become more involved in our children’s education? Choicework Discussion Format: Vote on the best of 3 approaches to begin the conversation

Small Group Format Choicework Discussion Recorders will record all discussion points Identify – Areas of common ground – Important areas of disagreement – Questions and concerns that need more attention – Recommended Actions and Next Steps

Large Group Reconvene Sharing of Areas of Common Ground and Disagreement, and Recommended Actions and Next Steps Prioritize Follow-Up Items Feedback Survey

Approach 1: Educate parents and the community about the most important ways they can help their children succeed in school Those who like this approach may say : – “Many people do not know what they can do to support students’ education. The schools and community should do a much better job of providing parents and others with information about how they can help children succeed.” But others say: – “Providing information and training is not enough. We’ve got to break down the barriers between schools and parents and the community.

Approach 2: Break down the barriers between schools and parents and the community. Those who like this approach may say : – “Many parents and community members are disconnected from the schools. We need to do more to make them feel welcome and connected if we want them to be more involved.” But others say: – “The schools are already busy just trying to educate kids. Should they really be spending time and resources on these sorts of efforts?”

Approach3: The schools should not be spending energy and resources on getting parents and the community involved. Instead, the schools should focus on teaching students successfully whether parents are involved or not. Those who like this approach may say : – “Schools should focus on their primary mission of teaching at school rather than trying to get parents and others to do things they ought to be doing anyway.” But others say: – “Not only is parent and community involvement too important to ignore, the more we increase it, the less we’ll need to compensate in other areas.”

Follow-Up Meeting Date for Follow up Meeting

Thank You! Feedback Surveys Thank you to contributors, donors, volunteers! – Zen Roasters – RSD17 Food Services – Howard Thiery and the RSD17 BOE – Moderators and Recorders – HK Community Conversations Planning Committee