The Parent Information Center
PO Box 2405
151 A Manchester Street
Concord, NH 03302 www.picnh.org

So what are we talking about really…?
Family Involvement
Family Engagement
Family/School Partnerships
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New research shows that meaningful family and community engagement is one of five essential ingredients for effective school reform:
• (Principal) leadership as the drive for change
• Parent-school-community ties
• Professional capacity
• Student-centered learning climate
• Instructional guidance
Bryk, A.S. , Sebring, P.B., Allensworth, E., Luppescu, S., & Easton, J.Q. (2010) Organizing schools for improvement: Lessons from Chicago : University of Chicago Press.
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Rosenberg, H., Research and Best Practices for Engaging Families to Increase Student Success . 2011
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1) Family engagement is a shared responsibility in which
• schools and other community agencies and organizations are committed to reaching out to engage families in meaningful ways
• Families are committed to actively supporting their children’s learning and development
Rosenberg, H., Research and Best Practices for Engaging Families to Increase Student Success . 2011
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2) Family engagement is continuous across a child’s life – from birth to high school and beyond- and entails enduring commitment but changing roles as children mature into young adulthood
Rosenberg, H., Research and Best Practices for Engaging Families to Increase Student Success . 2011
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3) Effective family engagement cuts across and reinforces learning in the multiple settings where children learn - at home, in prekindergarten programs, in school, in after school programs, and in the community
Rosenberg, H., Research and Best Practices for Engaging Families to Increase Student Success . 2011
© The Parent Information Center

•
Earn higher grades and test scores
• Enroll in higher-level programs/classes
• Be promoted and earn credits
• Adapt well to school and attend regularly
• Have better social skills and behavior
• Graduate and go on to higher education
Henderson, A., & Mapp, K. (2002) A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family and community connections on student achievemen t. Austin, TX: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.
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PTA’s National Standards for
Family-School Partnerships
Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school
Standard 2: Communicating effectively
Standard 3: Supporting student success
Standard 4: Speaking up for every child
Standard 5: Sharing power
Standard 6: Collaborating with community
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Reflection and Discussion
What do your schools do to engage families and promote family/school partnerships?

1. Where do these activities/strategies fall?
2. What are your schools’ strengths related to family engagement?
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Determining Next Steps…
Brainstorm –
•How can PIC help?