Action Research in Support of Parent Involvement April 20, 2007 Presenters: Audrey Dunnell, Kathy Hermann, and Kazue Watlington

Action Research Where do we begin? Research Log/Journal “A teacher-researcher may not start out with a hypothesis to test but a ‘wondering’ to pursue.” (Glenda Bissex in Seeing for Ourselves: Case Study Research by Teachers of Writing.)

Teacher Researchers Often Ask: What happens when………? How do………..? What is……….?

What do Teacher Researchers Do? Develop research questions based on their curiosity about teaching and learning. Examine their underlying assumptions. Systematically collect data. Share and discuss their data Analyze and interpret their data Share their findings

Data Collection Possibilities Journal/Research Log Student Talk and Comments Products and Portfolios Interviews, Surveys Classroom Records Field Notes Memories and Reflections

Data Analysis Looking at all the data--again and again Categorizing and finding patterns Paying attention to what doesn’t fit Getting insight from the research group Writing to learn Triangulation

What are some of the effects of action research? Increased sharing and collaboration Increased dialogue about student learning Enhanced communication Improved student performance Revision of practices based on new knowledge Development of school priorities

Some Tips for Teachers to Increase Family Engagement Have students and parents develop a study plan Send glad notes home Get information to parents in their home language Have students write a Parent Newsletter Call or parents about big assignments

Tips for Teachers Continued… Develop a parent phone tree Arrange for a home visit Invite parents to help by chaperoning, making a bulletin board, or sharing their expertise with the class Extend personal invitations to school events Have students interview their families as part of a research project.

Tips for Teachers Continued…. Have students write a photo essay about their families Ask students to work with their families to discover their ecological footprint here compared with in their home country Ask students to find out how their parents use math in their daily lives

Family Engagement Policy The school will foster high standards for all students. The school will create a welcoming atmosphere for families. The school will respect cultural differences. The school will seek family input. The school will maintain a Parent Resource Center.

Family Engagement Policy Continued….. The school will offer flexible scheduling of parent meetings, classes, and school functions. The school will provide translations of important information. The school will work with liaisons, translators, and interpreters to foster good communication with parents.

Family Engagement Policy Continued…… The school will inform parents or guardians about the individual achievement levels of their students and will work together with them to support the academic success of their students.

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