SACRAMENTO—Sharing the vision of California GEAR UP in the vital importance of parent involvement in the success of students, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today released a new, free publication, Family Engagement Framework, a Tool for California School Districts, to help school districts engage families in their children’s education.

“Parents are every child’s first teachers,” Torlakson said. “The good news is you don’t need an advanced degree to help your child succeed at school. It’s the little things that make a big difference—reading at home, talking with your child about school, and setting high expectations. Our Family Engagement Framework provides practical ways to help schools support parents to stay involved and help their children learn.”

The Family Engagement Framework is the culmination of nearly a decade of collaboration between the California Department of Education (CDE), an informal Title I advisory group to the CDE called Family Area Network, and the California Comprehensive Center at WestEd, California GEAR UP strategic partner and evaluator.  Funding for the project was provided through a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The development of the Framework is authorized under Title I of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act and CaliforniaEducation Code Section 11503.

The Framework describes 18 principles that are essential for family and community involvement with the school district. These principles are grouped into five action areas to:

(1) help school districts build the skills and confidence of parents,(2) demonstrate leadership, (3) use resources, (4) monitor progress, and (5) ensure access and equity for everyone. Specific actions to engage families and the community are described for each principle, ranging from basic to progressive to innovative. The Framework is outlined in a way to help school districts evaluate their progress and plan for improvements.

“This new resource from the department will be a valuable addition to our family engagement initiatives and we will share this tool with GEAR UP schools across the State.  In collaboration with our partners, we provide statewide services to families because we know that “Families Make the Difference”.

-Shelley Davis

Director, CA GEAR UP

The California Comprehensive Center did a thorough review of literature showing a strong link between parental involvement activities and student achievement. The research is summarized in the Framework, coupled with specific examples of what schools, communities, and parents can do to help students succeed. The publication also contains a list of articles that school administrators and teachers can read to create effective, research-based practices in family engagement. For example, the Framework can guide districts in planning and coordinating family engagement programs more effectively and includes examples of communications to families that may be copied or adapted for use in newsletters, e-mails, and other outreach efforts.

Copies of the Framework will be distributed to all school districts in California and will also be posted on the California Comprehensive Center Web site at http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/cpei/family-engagement-framework.pdf

The Family Initiatives Project is designed to encourage a partnership between families, schools, and communities in the educational process, especially but not exclusively for African-American families. Five-week sessions or one Saturday Family University offer college and career information and connect families to local community and social services. Through interactive sessions that increase understanding of the school system, family members enhance their knowledge of the middle school years, the “road to college”, and their critical role as support for their children. This greater knowledge and understanding is expected to enhance their ability to be effective advocates for their children in the school system.

FIP brings together families, schools and communities as partners in the education process. FIP services are based on recommendations from the GEAR UP school leadership team and the unique contributions of each school community.

Here are some comments from families who attended this weeks Family University at Harris Middle School in Sacramento:

Keep up the great information – parent from Harris.

Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge, the information was very helpful. – Parent.

Excellent program, good information great opportunity to network with other parents and good resources – Parent.

Share with us what you are doing at your school to engage families by commenting on this post or contacting us here.

For mor information on FIP. please read our FIP policy brief on our website.

California GEAR UP Family Initiatives Project (FIP) offers five-week sessions or one day, 5 hour sessions at selected schools based on the need for family programming strategies to enhance the participation of English speaking families at California GEAR UP schools. Schools take the lead in making community connections to ensure full participation. GEAR UP facilitators lead the interactive sessions. FIP Family University sample outcomes:

• FIP provides families with support, information and resources to increase family participation with the school and community so they can help their children succeed in school for a better future.
• The family gatherings focus on family involvement and positive proactive communication
• Helping families navigate the school system on the pathway to college.
• Discuss financial aid, A-G  and graduation requirements
• Positive family communication and interaction
• College: Making it Happen materials.
• Priority application status for FIP graduates at California State University campuses

Here are some comments from attendees:

“Very good keep it up:  Thank you for coming.”

“Thank you for making this workshop fun and very informative.”

“From this workshop I am better equipped to help my son and family with college and personal affairs.”

“Thank you one of the best meetings I have been to. Thank you.”

“This is a very informative and excellent seminar for parents and students.  Thank you very much.”

“This workshop was very informative with lots of information that will be very useful in preparing for college.  I am going to set up that college account.”

“I feel that the workshop was really educational for myself and child.  Real helpful information thank you for your support.”

“Extremely informative and engaging workshop, we need to  present this same information at the beginning of the school year.  Details about how to conduct parent conference were helpful.  African American parents felt heard and validated.”

“The workshop was very informative, educational and exciting.  It wasn’t boring kept me entertained.”

“I think the presentation was good and informative and done at a good pace.  Presenters were well prepared and handouts were excellent.”

Todays event at Everett MS featured laptop giveaway, excellent participation, and a tasty breakfast and lunch for all attendees.

Latptops and continual support for Everett was provided by Extreme Learning/Avanza Online.

THIS weekend MLK Jr Technology Academy proudly hosts Family Initiatives Project Family University, a California GEAR UP family engagement  program.

If you would like to attend or have questions regarding MLK Jr GEAR UP, please contact Ms. Adebanji: 916-286-4713

Special thanks to Ms. Adebanji, whose GEAR UP page is amazing!