Discussion Board

Describe one of your most successful family involvement events or examples. How did you involve or support families, and what was the impact on your program? Or, list one family involvement idea that you would like to try in your program and give your reason for choosing it.

Here is a free resource for those who are hosting family reading nights or events. Family Reading Nights powered by Kindle was developed by the National PTA. It has everything you need for reading centers-activities, handouts, facilitators guide, etc. They are all downloadable from the website. http://www.pta.org/programs/content.cfm?ItemNumber=3563&navItemNumber=3668

Sally M. Wade, EdD
Director, Family Engagement Resource Providers

Taking the ACT test Engaging families to encourage their teen to take the ACT resulted in an increase in ACT participation at one high school. The afterschool program took an informal approach to informing families of the importance of taking the ACT. Staff members were assigned to have informal conversations with parents who attended the fun evening event. Staff circulated the room welcoming and introducing themselves and others. Staff asked parents during an informal conversation if the student was signed up for ACT. They encouraged participation by sharing how important ACT is to college admission. Staff asked the parents if they would like ACT information. Information packets were found in a central place and handed personally to parents.

This informal approach was likely more effective than a handout, PowerPoint and lecture about the importance of ACT. Also, staff were happy to have an assigned relevant topic to discuss with families rather than the awkward, “How is he doing?” or wondering what to say after, “hello.”

Sally M. Wade, EdD
Director, Family Engagement Resource Providers project (funded by the US Dept of Education) .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)