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