Can WeTalk?

Speaking Up for Your Child to Help Them Succeed

Outcomes• Discussed how to effectively talk with

teachers and principals and advocate for their child

• Learned about the importance of parent involvement to help my child succeed

• Shared tips and networked with other parents

Nearly half of the new jobs created in the next 10 years will require some kind of college education—whether it’scommunity college, a four-year college, or technical school. If the trend continues, there will be fewer and fewer jobs available for those with only a high school diploma.

If my child is struggling in school, I know who to contact to share my concerns.

Agree Disagreeor

I feel comfortable advocating for my child.

Agree Disagreeor

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What the Research Says

Parent involvement has a positive impact on students’ academic achievement, behavior, andattitudes about school and work

Core Belief 1 All parents have dreams for their children and want thebest for them.

Core Belief 2 All parents have the capacity to support their children’s learning.

Core Belief 3 Parents and school staff should be equal partners.

Core Belief 4The responsibility for building partnerships between home and school rests primarily with school staff. Especially school leaders.

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Adapted from

“Beyond the Bake Sale”

“The Essential Guide to Family-School Partnerships”

Family Engagement Core Beliefs

Road Blocks to Family Engagement

• Take five minutes to identify family engagement barriers at your school.

• Each group will share one road block.

Keeping Up with The School

• School Website• Newsletters• Information That Comes Home• PTO Meetings• School Events• Parent Portal

Teachers and Principals• Know who they are.• What is best way to contact them?• What is the best time?• Keep in touch on a regular basis.• Send short emails, notes, to keep

them informed.

How can I advocate for my child?

• Monitor your child’s performance• Take advantage of resources for

parents• Take notes• Talk with your child’s teachers• Ask questions• Keep calm, cool, and collected

Teacher

Principal

Assistant Superintendent

Superintendent

Advocacy Steps

Table Talk• Discuss a scenario• Brainstorm action steps

Advocacy Scenarios

Video Link

Take a few minutes at your table to the discuss the scenario.

Use the guided questions sheet for your table discussion.

Video Link

Take a few minutes at your table to the discuss the scenario.

Use the guided questions sheet for your table discussion.

Ask questions

Do keep an open mind

Visit the school, often

Organize your thoughts

Cool, calm, collected

Active listening

Take notes

Encourage your child to respectfully speak up themselves

Home School

Parent Action Plan

I have a concern…

I would like my child to…

I will take these steps

to help my child…

“Two Top Tips”

“Teachers, no matter how dedicated or effective, cannot make sure your child leaves for school on time and does their homework when they get back at night. These are things only a parent can do. These are things that our parents must do.”

- President Barack Obama