Collaborating with Families

Actions: Areas for Growth

Identify one of the Four A’s (Approach, Attitudes, Atmosphere, & Actions) as an area of personal growth.

Explore the strategies below to help you plan 2-3 steps you could take to support your growth in that area.

Strategies for Engaging Families

Karen Mapp, Harvard Graduate School of Education, has conducted research with a focus on partnerships among families, community members, and educators that support student achievement and school improvement. Mapp has identified that when schools conduct home visits, students show a 20% decline in absences, and those children are also more likely to read at or above grade level than their peers without home visits. Specific actions to consider:

Follow district protocols
Ask parents if they are ok with a home visit or if they might prefer to meet somewhere in the community
Respect family’s culture and religious practices
Don’t go empty-handed (bring resource, coffee, activities for younger kids, etc.)
Talk with colleagues who are successful and comfortable with home visits for suggestions or tips

Specific actions to consider:

Ensure parents know how to access and interpret their student's academic information via a Parent Portal
Provide or connect family with necessary school supplies at home
Create a parent resource space in school and online
Be clear and honest regarding student’s academic progress, being sure to layer in positive feedback

Specific actions to consider:

Start early and positive
Provide translation or use service like Talking Points app
Determine parent’s preferred form of communication and hours of availability
Consistently share positive messages, progress, and student accomplishments

Specific actions to consider:

Respond in a timely manner
Practice reflective listening (listen for meaning)
Validate parent and their concern
Answer truthfully and it’s ok if you don’t know. Tell them you will need to check and follow-up when you say you will follow-up.
Link parent to resources, as needed