Parent Workshop EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION WITH INDIVIDUALS

Parent Workshop EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION WITH INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, SCHOOL PERSONNEL, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Terminology • • • Effective Communication Collaboration Community Relationships Partnerships

Opening Discussion • What is the difference between communication and effective communication? • What can effective communication bring to our schools? The community? • Where do we begin to develop effective communication?

Effective Communication What Affects a Student’s Perception on Issues? • • Media Influence (Community) Parental Differences of Opinions (Family) Peers (Individual / School) The Environment – Everything surrounding the student.

Effective Communication Ways of Communication • • • Electronic Media (Email, Websites, Television, Etc…) Mail / Newsletters In Person / Phone-Calls Which one is the most popular? Which one is most effective?

Effective Communication Active Participation • Being at the Workshop is an excellent example of active participation. • There are no restrictions – Many parents do not participate simply because they do not know. • Being knowledgeable.

Discussion Questions • What does working together achieve? For the School, Home, and Community? • What are some ways you know that help promote positive collaboration? • What are some of the barriers that may turn active participants away from positive collaboration?

Collaboration Volunteering • Teachers should provide an orientation for volunteers at the beginning of the year. • Teachers should provide activities that families can do at home to support the class. • Opportunities to Volunteer: Example - Back-To-School Night, Field Trips, School Events, etc…

Collaboration Parent-Teacher Conferences • Individual, School, and Home are involved. • Opportunities to discuss a student’s educational needs and goals. • Learn how the school operates and what we can do for a student’s success.

Collaboration Extension of Learning at Home • Communicate and collaborate with teachers and the school to learn what you can do for your child at home. • Reinforce positive learning and give them a chance to explore creativeness. • Check homework regularly and assist them when possible. • Exhibit model behavior for your child to follow.

Discussion Questions • What is a community? • What does the community have to do with the individual, home, and school? • What are some ways we can communicate or collaborate with the community? • What are some community programs you are aware of?

The Community Different Ways They Help with Education • • • Field-Trips Tutoring Centers After-school programs School Events Partnerships and Relations Mentors

The Community Different Ways They Help with Education (2) • Service agencies provide learning opportunities for children. • Social networks affect children’s learning in a community. • Some community learning is planned by community organizers. • Concerns: Neighborhood safety.

The Community Parent Involvement • What you have to say matters. • Anti-Drug Programs, PTA meetings, Mentors • Learn about the different programs that the community has to offer. • What dissuades parents from utilizing community resources? • Access • Transportation

The Community Cultural Value • New foods, celebrations, dances and entertainment. • Insights into politics, civil rights, and legislation. • Produces closer ties within the majority culture.

Extended Resources • A quick Google search can bring up excellent results… • http: //mileyachievementcenter. com • http: //downtownachieves. org