Family Friendly Schools

Presented by Margaret Shandorf Federal and State Programs

What does the research say?

• Family involvement helps student achievement

• Trust and strong relationships build strong family involvement

• Partnerships will look different at each school

Engagement

When school staff engage in caring and trustful relationships with families, the families are more apt to participate in their children’s educational development.

Research noted from (Karen Mapp, 2002,

“A New Wave of Evidence”)

Relationships

• Think of a time when you had a positive interaction with someone at a school center. What made the interaction positive? What did it feel like?

Forming Family Friendly Schools

• Provide a safe physical environment that is accessible and welcoming.

Beautiful campusHandicap accessible Clean interior and exterior of buildingsOffice comfortable and invitingColorful signs posted in various languages

for welcome and directions to buildings

Forming Family Friendly Schools

• School Climate should be positive and inviting to all parents

Visitors are welcomed in office Translators are provided to have effective communication Staff members attend parent events and engage with parents Resource materials are provided in resource room in various

languages Written communication is provided to parents in a language they

understand School provides trainings to parents and translators are available for

translation of information School pride is reflected in the school celebrating diversity Parents are directed to department websites where materials such

as activities in literacy, math, science and FCAT are written in a language the parent can understand

Forming Family Friendly Schools

• Parents and school have continuous two-way communication

Parent-teacher conferences are held with translators to provide translation

Communication is sent home in a language the parent understands

Email and edline are means to communicate immediately with parents

Parents receive student progress in a timely fashion in a language they understand

Forming Family Friendly Schools

• The school welcomes parents as decision makers, advocates, and supporters of all children

School staff uses a variety of ways to recruit all parents School events and activities are scheduled at flexible times Parents are asked to volunteer at school and participate in school activities Parents receive information and strategies to assist their child at home in a language

they understand The school utilizes parent liaisons, and school support staff to help make connections

with families Parents are part of the decision making process at their school in the areas of policy,

curriculum, budget, school reform, and safety Parents are encouraged to take on leadership roles on school based and district

committees such as Parent Leadership Council and Title I District Advisory Council The school welcomes community volunteers as mentors to promote student

achievement.

How Do We Measure Up?

• Consider all the factors that you have seen that help formulate a Family Friendly School.

How does your school measure up?What can you do to help ensure success

in forming a Family Friendly School?

Contact

For More Information Contact:

Margaret Shandorf, NCLB/Federal Grants

Telephone (561) 963-3843 or PX 43843