School Involvement Identification Report

Parental involvement is essential for the school’s effectiveness. We see ourselves as partners of the family, reinforcing parents' efforts to guide the intellectual, emotional and spiritual development of their children. We offer seminars and classes for personal enrichment of parents as they strive to become even more the kind of person they want their children to

As a student at my school I have been able create a positive impact in my school and community, by being the president of my class, a freshman mentor, a member of Peer Jury, I’m also a part of Students Organised Against Racism (SOAR), and serve as a student representative for my district's Curriculum Standards for School Improvement (CSSI) Committee.

Joining my school’s Associated Student Body (ASB) has allowed me to improve the environment and atmosphere at school while also giving myself a greater voice. As the recent class secretary and future class president, I am committed to enhancing the experiences of my peers in high school. In a school that is vastly underfunded and with many students living in poverty, it becomes hard for students to become spirited and support our fundraisers because of the mediocre quality of our school as well as simply being unable to afford things. My class and I are dedicated to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to make the most of their high school experience, regardless of their background. From selling frozen goods to reduce prom charges

I want to be able to help my school community, and allow new students coming into the

The article Involvement or Engagement by Larry Farlazzo focuses on how to engage families, the school and the community to work together to promote both student and parent success within the school and the community. The article began with discussing the different between parent involvement and engagement. Larry Farlazzo (2011) states “A school striving for family involvement often leads with its mouth—identifying projects, needs, and goals and then telling parents how they can contribute. A school striving for parent engagement, on the other hand, tends to lead with its ears—listening to what parents think, dream, and worry about. The goal of family engagement is not to serve clients but to gain partners”. It’s important to understand the

(Bredekamp, 2009). I will show the parent that we can be in harmony in the program and with the family’s values. I need to take away the feeling that I am right and they are wrong and I need to see that neither one of us are right or wrong. I need to see that we are learning and trying to help their child to grow, learn and develop. (Bredekamp, 2009). The role of our local community is to provide a physical, emotional, and cognitive environment that helps in the development and learning of the child. We with community will build a foundation that is consistent, positive, and caring relationships with adults and children. (Bredekamp, 2009). We will build that relationship with teachers and children and families and teachers. We as community it is our responsibility to contribute to the well-being and learning of the child. I will get the child involved in the community and their families because it helps them to learn about themselves and the world around them. The community involved in my school helps children respect and be able to acknowledge their differences. I as a teacher will develop responsibility and help with self-regulation with the

W. Edwars Deming, American engineer and management consultant, wrote “a bad system will beat a good person every time.” This quote demonstrates the necessity for a school administrator to establish a school culture that is inviting and characterized by collaboration. In order to intentionally create a welcoming and collaborative school climate, clear, frequent, and inclusive communication is fundamental. Families, staff, and community members should be afforded the opportunity to become involved in enhancing student learning, the decision making processes of the school, and meaningful school-based activities. Opening the lines of communication about possible involvement at a school promotes a good system, in which good people can thrive.

A great strategy for collaborating with the community is for the school to have a community day. Partners from around the community introduce themselves and provide information and assistance regarding academic, social, recreational, and health resources available to the families throughout the community. Community collaboration allows local businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide services to parents that advance student learning and overall wellness. Schools should invite community partners into the schools to participate in mentoring. Community service is a great strategy to foster student and parent participation. Providing support and learning opportunities for parents such as: GED classes, English language classes, and job training is a great strategy for collaboration with community partners. Parents and the communities should be made aware of activities and programs taking place inside of

I conduct and facilitate monthly Parent Advisory Committee meetings, PAC. During this meetings parents receive information regarding student academic support, improving parental skills, and how to improve school/home involvement. At the same time, I assist parents in formulating educational goals for

In order to grow as an equity-centered school leader, I need to continue to develop my social, cultural and political processes. In addition,

As principal, of this school, the main issues include unifying teachers, and engaging parents and the community. How these issues are

The first question asked of the teacher and administrator focus group focused on the meaning of parent involvement to parents. JP, the school counselor, replied, “There is a group of parents who expects their kids to be taken care of 100% in their growth of education and socialization.” CS, a middle school, teacher followed up the response of JP by stating, “Unfortunately, I think a majority of our parents want 100% as far as us (teachers) taking care of everything. A few of our parents don’t have that expectation, but, for the most part, a majority of them do.” The teacher and administrative focus group members contended that parents should be informed and involved, but, parents have the mindset that their responsibility is to get their child to school with their books and homework and that the remainder of the educational process is totally the school’s responsibility.

Although it is important for families to be involved with their child’s school, school personnel should also strive to create a positive interaction with families of students. Carl Dunst (2002) states that school and parent collaboration is necessary, and if schools take on a more family-centered approach, it will help create a supportive environment and help to strengthen a family’s capacity to enhance and promote a child’s development and learning.

Multiculturalism in today's society has become more prominent and something that needs to be addressed based on specific as well as on an individual level based on many different aspects. There are lots of different actions that can be taken, classes, seminars, books, internet webinars and such. However; I believe that none of this is effective without the interaction and hands on approach from the parents, famiies, teachers and the school administration itself. We can all sit back and quarterback a situation, but until it is in our own lap, we don't know how or what we would do to assure that the children that this effects is provided with the equal educational opportunities that they deserve. I believe that first

Increasing involvement is our number one goal. “Most administrators have that exact same goal, but many have little or no concrete ideas about how they might accomplish the goal” (education world, 2015, p.2). Being aware of the struggles is important, but it is also important that we understand that school leaders need allies in the community. This includes you and the parents of the students. When we come together as a team, more projects get done and the more focused students are with their academics. When parents and the community are involved more gets done. When it is