1. The Value and Utility of Parental Involvement
San Felipe-Del Rio C.I.S.D.,
Department of Federal and State Programs

2. What is “parental/family involvement”?
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What is “parental/family involvement”?
“The participation of parents/families in regular two-way, meaningful communication involving their student’s academic learning and other school activities”. (NCLB, 2002)

3. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT DEFINITION:
Participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, ensuring –
That parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;
That parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school;
That parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.

4. KEY CONCEPT:
Every family functions as a home learning environment, regardless of its structure, economic level, ethnic or cultural background.
Consequently, every family has the potential to support and improve the academic achievement of its children.

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Recognize the Potential of Parent Involvement. They Are The Child’s FIRST TEACHER.
Parent Involvement is a PROCESS NOT AN ACTIVITY-It Requires Ongoing Energy and Effort.

6. OUTDATED THINKING ON PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT:
Parents should come to school only when invited;
Stay-at-home mothers serve as “homeroom mothers”;
Parents visit school mainly for children’s performances and open houses;
Parents only help raise money for school.

7. Components Of A Welcoming Atmosphere And Points To Consider:
The Physical Environment: parking areas, lobby, hallways, classrooms, cafeteria, etc.
Written Materials: newsletters, student and school activity calendars, parent handbook, flyers and other materials distributed by the school. Attractive and informative campus website and polite, informative telephone message lines.
Procedures and Policies: the polite and informative conduction of events, open house, conferences, etc.
HOW CAN YOUR CAMPUS BE MADE
MORE INVITING TO PARENTS?

8. FAMILY INVOLVEMENT BENEFITS:
Research demonstrates parent/family involvement significantly contributes to improved student outcomes.
Everyone- students, parents, teachers, administrators and communities, benefit from family involvement.
Improvements occur regardless of economic, racial or cultural backgrounds.
More positive attitudes toward school and teachers;
Higher achievement, better attendance and more homework completed consistently;
Reduced drop out rates;
Higher graduation rates and enrollment rates in post-secondary education;
Improved school environment accomplished through feelings of “ownership” in entity.

9. BENEFITS FOR PARENTS AND SCHOOL STAFF:
Greater knowledge of education programs/how school works.
Learn how to be more supportive of children in their endeavors.
Greater confidence in helping their student learn.
More positive view of teachers.
Greater empowerment.
School Staff:
Greater teaching effectiveness.
Higher expectations of students.
Increased ability to understand family views and culture.
Greater appreciation of parent volunteers; and,
Improved morale.

10. Do School-Family-Community Partnerships Matter
Do School-Family-Community Partnerships Matter? BENEFITS OF SCHOOL-COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
-Upgraded school facilities
Improved school leadership and staffing
Higher quality learning programs for students
New resources and programs to improve teaching and curriculum
Resources for after-school programs and family supports
Increased social and political capital of participants

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BARRIERS TO FAMILY INVOLVEMENT: Language differences; Sharp, Familial Divide Between Home and School; Past Negative Experiences With Education; Negative View of the School System. *Understanding the culture and family dynamic is KEY to building positive partnerships with students and families.
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12. Overcoming The Barriers With the OBJECTIVE OF: Reducing the Disparity Between Home and School
Bilingual staff, phone calls, written communications in Spanish;
Meetings should be informal and based upon family interests;
Make first meetings more social events rather than formal events;
School-provided opportunities for participation by families, single parents, employed parents, fathers, etc.;
Ask families for event ideas;
Develop a plan for family and community involvement.
Sharing information= a two way process
Share with families what is happening in your school and have families share about the child’s experiences
Home visits or visits to neutral sites are less threatening environments;
Written correspondence is not as effective as personal conferences and in the language of the parent.
*Times and locations of scheduled meetings convenient for parents.
*Interpreters, childcare available.

13. CAMPUS AND SELF-REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Why are some teachers more successful than others in engaging parents?
For what reasons do parents currently visit your campus?
Reflect and share the parental involvement level at your campus and in individual classrooms.
WHAT IS ONE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT GOAL YOU CAN SET FOR ?

14. “It doesn’t matter how many structured activities a school creates, parents must feel welcomed, accepted, respected and validated at their school and by school leaders. That atmosphere is something that has to be ingrained rather than something contrived by events that are primarily intended to be scored or counted.” * Unknown Principal

15. HAVE A SUCCESSFUL,PROACTIVE SCHOOL YEAR!
SFDR-CISD Department of Federal and State Programs,