1. REthinking Parental Engagement
From the Outside In:
REthinking Parental Engagement
Laurie A. Namey, Harford County Public Schools
January 10, 2018
PBIS State Coaches Meeting

2. From the Outside In?
From The Inside Out?

3. Our Time together
Understand our important role in supporting partnerships that deepen the connections between home and school.
Learn from one another strategies that have been effective in serving our students & families.
Reflect on our changing communities and how we can adapt to better support their needs

4. This is Equity work.

5. Access & Opportunities

7. What do we know?
Our families love their kids, and they are their strongest advocates.
We see things from our “lens;” our own experiences.
Our student and family populations are rapidly changing across all of Maryland.
Traditional definition of family has evolved.
Authentic family engagement is a critical element of successful schools.

8. Authentic.

9. Transform Involvement to Engagement
Parent involvement is often more of the “doing to;” often schools tend to lead with their mouth- sharing information or telling parents what they should be doing.
Parent engagement is often “doing with;” this has schools leading with their ears; a genuine partnership is more likely to be established.

10. Why has it been difficult to cultivate and sustain effective partnerships with families?

11. Impact of Engagement Earn higher grades and test scores
Enroll in higher level coursework
Become more involved in the school community and with school activities.
Adapt better to school and attend more regularly.
Have better social and character skills, and behaviors.
Graduate and go on to post secondary education.

12. What Barriers are present for our students and families?
What Barriers do we present for our students and families?

13. Barriers to Engagement
Assumptions
Send mixed messages
Outreach in the same ways
Outreach in ways that make US feel comfortable
We don’t ask questions
We don’t validate
We rely on the same individuals
Staff (and our,) capacity.

14. Addressing the Barriers: USDE Framework
Linked to Learning
Relational
Interactive
Collaborative
Developmental

15. Elevating Engagement Empower Build Trust Remove Barriers
Share opportunities
Make it about Achievement
Make resources accessible
Encourage involvement
Build Trust
Build relationships
Radiate Warmth
Create inviting environment
Recognize and respond to needs
Remove Barriers
Assist without judgement
Listen without assumptions
Make connections; navigate norms
Activity: Separate into 3 groups. What might this look, sounds like in our schools? Pass out cards with words.

16. Attendance Love

17. National Standards for Family-School Partnerships

18. Standard 1 Welcoming All Families
Goal 2: Building a Respectful, Inclusive School Community
Respecting all families
Removing economic obstacles to participation
Ensuring accessible programming
Goal 1: Creating a Welcoming Climate
Developing personal relationships
Creating a family-friendly atmosphere
Providing opportunities for volunteering

19. Why Parents Get Involved
Parents are more likely to become involved when they:
Understand they should be involved
Feel capable of making a contribution
Feel invited by the school and their children
(Hoover-Dempsey and Sandler, 1997)

20. Communication is key Communicate warmth and willingness to assist
Understand needs
Value diversity; understand the community
Listen and validate concerns
Provide information in a variety of ways
Respectfully negotiate conflicts when they occur
Share norms and practices
Ask Questions

21. Rethink the Norm Parent/Teacher Conferences
Transitions and Articulation
Communication modes
Communication style
Reflective communication
Individualize it

22. Beyond the School walls
Home Visits
Neighborhood Hubs/Centers
Churches/Religious Buildings
YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs
Different Schools
…or not “anywhere” at all

23. Family Engagement: Reflective Practice
Be Reflective
Adjust our Practice
Try, try, try again
Avoid Assumptions & the Blame game