Chapter 1
this barrier refers to educators’ preconceived notions or biases about families from different cultural, racial, or socioeconomic backgrounds
What are stereotypes or biases?
schools should not only engage with families but also with this group, which includes local organizations and cultural leaders to support student success
What is the community?
a two-way process which allows families and educators to share information and perspectives to foster understanding and collaboration
What is effective communication?
focuses on creating meaningful, ongoing connections between educators and families
What is partnership development?
This character, the protagonist of the book, learns valuable lessons about life, leadership, and positivity while riding a metaphorical bus.
Who is George?
this national trend in schools and communities is making it increasingly important for educators to adapt their family engagement practices.
What is increasing cultural and linguistic diversity?
this term refers to the flawed assumption that some families are inherently lacking in the skills or values needed to support their child’s education
What is deficit thinking?
a type of barrier which can arise from language differences, cultural misunderstandings, and preconceived notions that hinder effective family-school interaction
What are communication barriers?
that all families should have equal access to opportunities and resources within the school system
What is equity and inclusion?
This represents your journey in life
What is the bus?
recent reforms in education stress the importance of creating partnerships between schools and families to enhance this aspect of student life
What is student achievement?
recognizing and integrating these valuable resources from families can enhance student learning and engagement, particularly in culturally diverse classrooms
What are students' and families' cultural and experiential backgrounds?
a system which allow families to voice their concerns, suggestions, and experiences regarding their child's education
What are feedback mechanisms?
model that emphasizes shared responsibility and partnership between educators and families in supporting student learning and development
What is a collaborative model?
this type of energy is the key to success and happiness
What is positive energy?
this is a shift in thinking, which moves away from viewing families as passive supporters and toward recognizing them as active collaborators in their children’s education
What is the collaborative model of family engagement?
this type of capital encompasses the knowledge, skills, and social networks that families bring to the educational process, influencing their children's academic success
What is cultural capital?
models which outline various roles and levels of participation that families can have in their children’s education, emphasizing that involvement can take many forms
What are family involvement models?
involves including families in the decision-making processes that affect their children's education, fostering a sense of ownership and investment
What is shared decision-making?
Creating this for your life helps guide your path and keeps you motivated to move forward
What is a vision?
this concept is described as an ongoing process where educators critically reflect on their own cultural perspectives and adapt their practices to better meet the needs of diverse families.
What is cultural self-awareness?
this critical issue, which often arises from the unequal distribution of influence between educators and families, leading to potential misunderstandings and barriers to effective collaboration
What are power dynamics in family-school relationships?
this approach is discussed as a way for schools to proactively connect with families, ensuring that communication is respectful and aligned with their cultural norms
What is culturally responsive outreach?
process to assess the effectiveness of engagement strategies and identify areas for improvement
What is feedback and evaluation?
this powerful internal force is described as the main thing that prevents people from achieving their goals, and it must be confronted and transformed with positive energy.
What is self-doubt (or fear)?