Collaborating with Families

Despite multiple outreach efforts and quarterly at-school events, the family of one of your students has never been seen at the school. You know that the parents’ work schedules would have allowed them to attend at least one of these events.

A common assumption: School is not important enough to this family for them to make attending events a priority.

Reflect: How could this belief negatively affect the overall atmosphere of the school?

Consider a shift in approach: You recognize that there are many reasons that families might be uncomfortable coming to the school. You try to reach families where they are and let their input guide you towards a partnering atmosphere together.

How do families describe the atmosphere in your school? Is there a family that you have worked with that has not felt welcome in the school?