Collaborating with Families

Atmosphere refers to the climate of the school and includes the concept of person-environment fit or how a school supports students' academic progress and family engagement. Mentors work with school colleagues to ensure an environment that is supportive for C&C students at the same time as promoting the conditions for partnership with families to support their student's academic success.  Mentors can promote a partnership when they:

• Convey, interpret, extend understandings about school policies and help parents navigate the educational system.
• Engage in two-way communication and include parents in decisions for their children.
• Mentor reflects on their assumptions about families that are different from their own or the majority.

What school policies and practices might be barriers for families? What policies or practices currently encourage families to partner with the school?