The post September: What We Are Thinking About – Monthly Round Up appeared first on Possip.
Monday 30 September 2024
Thursday 26 September 2024
4 Tips for Maximizing Impact Through Strategic Budgeting
Before working at Possip, I worked at Procter & Gamble in Finance for 13 years. I had a number of roles while there including as the leader for the forecasting and budgeting process of Tide the Company’s largest Brand with over $8B in revenue. I held this role during the recession period in 2009 and learned a lot about strategic budgeting during volatile times.
Possip COO, Christine Fisher, lays out 4 principles for effective strategic budgeting, especially in times of financial uncertainty.
The thing that has stuck with me the most from that role was something my boss at the time told me:
“The only thing you know for certain about your financial predictions is that they are wrong. How wrong they are and minimizing the impact of being wrong is a big part of it.”
That statement freed me from having to be ‘right’ about everything in my forecast and focused me on managing the uncertainty. At the time of this update, Deloitte reports that inflation has been tamed and a recession averted. However, they have run scenarios for upturns and downturns based on global trends and possibilities. It is certainly a time of uncertainty.
4 Tips for Maximizing Impact Through Strategic Budgeting
Tip #1: Articulate Your Priorities
Articulate your organization’s values & priorities. Get input from your community on what they see as priorities.
The old adage goes “show me your budget and you show me your values”. This is one of the most important steps an organization can take. Knowing what the key values & priorities are will help know what spending needs to be protected and what spending is more flexible.
Community and stakeholder input to this process is critical. Invested stakeholders look to see where money is being spent and will want to see that it aligns with the values that they see as important. Possip is a quick and easy way to pulse your stakeholders. Depending on how many people you want to survey, we can partner with you now to gather the information you need!
Articulating these before money is associated with line-item spending can be helpful. As you get further along in the budgeting process, citing the articulated values & priorities can help remind everyone why choices are being made the way they are.
Including how you are measuring impact or what the main non-financial goal is in your budget also helps to ground everyone in the organization’s mission. If debate comes up about a spending item, ask the question “how does this help us achieve our mission?”
Tip #2 Define Variables
Split spending items into fixed, variables, and choices.
Go through the budget and identify what are fixed costs, what are variable costs, and what are choices. We often talk about this as controllable and uncontrollable budget items.
Within both fixed and variable costs, there are items that are choices and items that are not. If you are in year 3 of a 5 year contract, it is not worth spending time on that budget item. Focus on areas where there is a decision to be made.
Variables are items that may change based on time or # of enrolled participants/students or how cold/warm it is outside. Whereas fixed costs are generally a set amount for a full year (whether it is used a lot or a little, etc).
For variables, you have to decide whether it is the right choice and also what ranges are there on the variable. Sometimes based on specifics in contracts or timing of decisions, items that are theoretically variable may not actually be variable.
Spending money sometimes saves money. Sometimes that’s short term capital investments to save lease or rent expenses or sometimes that’s investing in services or technologies to free up staff to deliver other increasing responsibilities.
Tip #3 Run Scenarios
Create pathways to achieving your budget.
There are lots of approaches to scenario planning and many of them use probability adjustments which can be helpful to account for some level of uncertainty in the budget. There are a few problems I have seen in using this approach. One, is that they are often compounding and sometimes as much time is spend debating the probability % as is verifying the initial input. There is also the probability of it occurring but if it occurs it is at 100% of spend.
I prefer to create actual scenarios to see how many different ways I can get to our desired budget. Laying out actual scenarios helps people conceptualize what might happen. If I get lots of ways to meet our goals, then I feel good. If there’s only one path and everything has to go right to get there, then I don’t feel so good and we need to revisit the plan.
Once you have laid out some paths, look at what could be trigger points to make decisions. What does that look like? Maybe we don’t have enough information today to decide about some spending element that will happen next spring but if we hit a particular milestone, then we can make the decision.
I have also seen a lot of organizations doing shorter budgeting cycles to help mitigate the rapidly changing world. If it’s impossible to predict what next winter looks like, maybe it’s better to just budget for the fall and budget for the winter when more information is available.
Play with time frames and decision triggers during the budgeting process.
Tip #4: Gather Feedback and Benchmarks
Seek out best practices and use ‘peer review’.
Benchmarking with other similar organizations is always a critical step when I am building a budget. Especially in this environment, I would think about calling up a similar organization to see how they are planning to approach their budget. What are they assuming the impact to transportation is? Ask some of the key questions that you are struggling with. People like to help and be seen as experts.
I also like to use the ‘peer review’ model. Let someone else look through the details. What jumps out at them? What questions do they ask? This can either be someone else in your organization, a board member, or community volunteer. Many corporations encourage their employees to volunteer (including the big four accounting firms). Reach out to a local business and see if they have someone who’d be willing to help.
Finally, get input from your broader community on the budget. Host public budget hearings, meet with your main stakeholder groups.
If you’d like to discuss about strategic budgeting, email hello@possip.com.
This article was originally penned for schools by Christine Fisher, “Maximizing Impact Through Strategic Budgeting – for Schools” June 2020. We have updated the content post pandemic to apply the principles to a wider audience of small business and nonprofit organizations.
The post 4 Tips for Maximizing Impact Through Strategic Budgeting appeared first on Possip.
Supporting Mental Health: Tips for Improving Focus
The post Supporting Mental Health: Tips for Improving Focus appeared first on Possip.
7 Low-lift, High-Impact Leader Actions That Transform Team Culture
Speed Read (tldr): 7 Low-lift, High-Impact Leader Actions That Transform Team Culture
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Model Expected Behaviors: Leaders should exemplify the behaviors and values they expect from their staff, such as punctuality and kindness, to foster a culture of integrity and encourage staff to adopt similar habits.
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Value Small Gestures: Simple acts of recognition, such as handwritten notes or public acknowledgments, significantly boost staff morale and contribute to a positive work environment, enhancing retention and overall team culture.
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Enact Detail-Oriented Leadership and Communication: Paying attention to detail in every aspect of management, including ensuring error-free documents and respecting time commitments, sets high standards. Effective communication, such as predictable schedules for written communication and actively soliciting feedback from staff, is essential in making staff feel valued and heard.
Little things often make the most significant impact – leaders who pay attention to the small details can transform team culture and significantly influence staff morale and retention.
Cate Reed, seasoned administrator, current Senior Vice President of Teach For America, and Possip Reporter, explores seven seemingly small things to do that make a big difference in your staff culture.
Below are ideas on how seemingly minor actions can lead to substantial positive changes in organizations and businesses and offer practical strategies for leaders to implement these actions effectively.
Jump to...
Small Gestures From You Matter
It is easy to overlook the power of small gestures, but these can often have the most lasting impact.
- Acts of recognition, even as simple as a handwritten note or a verbal acknowledgment, can significantly make staff feel valued and appreciated. These small acts of kindness and recognition can improve morale and create a supportive work environment, enhancing staff retention.
- Have a bulletin board prominently displayed for each month; calling out the birthdays of staff in the building or other anniversaries. They could be years of service, or other milestones. This can be done virtually for remote or hybrid work environments through a general or celebration channel on Slack or a similar internal messaging platform.
Sweat the Small Stuff
Attention to the finer details is crucial for leaders. This means prioritizing accuracy, precision, and meticulousness in all aspects of work. Minor, incremental improvements can lead to significant innovations over time. Leaders who sweat the small stuff prevent errors and inspire their team to strive for excellence in their work.
- For example, ensuring that documents are typos-free demonstrates a commitment to quality and sets a standard for the team.
- Hold firms to deadlines and meetings so that people see you value and respect their time.
Leaders - Model What You Expect
Consistency between words and actions is vital for earning the team’s respect and trust. Leaders should embody the behaviors and attitudes they wish to see in their staff. By practicing what they preach, leaders can motivate and inspire their teams, fostering a culture of integrity and reliability.
- If punctuality is valued, leaders should always be early.
- If attention to detail is essential, leaders should ensure their work is impeccable.
- If kindness is the expectation, ensure please and thank you are used often and sincerely.
Value the Person, Not Just Their Contributions
Managing is about people, not tasks. Hope build camaraderie by inviting your team to share their interests outside of work. One way we do this at Possip is by hosting a quick check in every morning that features a whiparound question. This is a short question for everyone on the team to answer and can transform your team culture. Our favorite questions are listed here.
Attending to the deeper fears, hopes, and motivation of your teammates helps people know you care about them. Checking in and going beyond the standard “How are you?” question builds trust and rapport.
Be Creative and Set Yourself Apart as a Leader
Understanding the unique needs and preferences of your team can help create a joyful and motivated working environment. These creative and personalized acts show leaders care about their team’s well-being and happiness.
- Personalized gestures can significantly boost morale, such as hiring an on-site barista to provide coffee and snacks during late work sessions or organizing special birthday celebrations with handwritten notes.
- Find a local movie theater to give free tickets to staff one weekend as a surprise after a long week of intensive work.
Promote Work-Life Balance and Show Flexibility
Encouraging a healthy work-life balance is essential for maintaining staff well-being. Showing flexibility, such as accommodating personal needs and offering support during challenging times, demonstrates empathy and respect for staff members’ personal lives. This approach can significantly improve staff satisfaction and retention.
- Survey staff about the best times for meetings, and if there are significant conflicts, consider hosting two different times to be as accommodating as possible.
Solicit Feedback to Transform Team Culture
Open and effective communication is the backbone of a well-functioning team. Leaders should actively solicit feedback from staff and act on it. This practice helps address concerns and improve processes and makes staff feel heard and valued.
- Set a schedule for written communication and stick to it! Predictability builds confidence.
- Ask your staff questions about what can be done better. Using Possip is a great way to start!
Seemingly few things that leaders do can significantly affect staff morale, retention, and overall team culture. Leaders can create a positive and engaging work environment by sweating the small stuff, modeling desired behaviors, being creative, and showing genuine care and appreciation for their team. These small but meaningful actions can snowball into the culture leaders aspire to build. This ultimately leads to a thriving, productive, and happy working community.
Speed Read (tldr): 7 Low-lift, High-Impact Leader Actions That Transform Team Culture
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Model Expected Behaviors: Leaders should exemplify the behaviors and values they expect from their staff, such as punctuality and kindness, to foster a culture of integrity and encourage staff to adopt similar habits.
-
Value Small Gestures: Simple acts of recognition, such as handwritten notes or public acknowledgments, significantly boost staff morale and contribute to a positive work environment, enhancing retention and overall team culture.
-
Enact Detail-Oriented Leadership and Communication: Paying attention to detail in every aspect of management, including ensuring error-free documents and respecting time commitments, sets high standards. Effective communication, such as predictable schedules for written communication and actively soliciting feedback from staff, is essential in making staff feel valued and heard.
A version of this article was originally published Aug 2024.
The post 7 Low-lift, High-Impact Leader Actions That Transform Team Culture appeared first on Possip.
Tuesday 24 September 2024
The Best Words for Teacher Appreciation – What to Say
Table of Contents
Teacher Appreciation Day is in May, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until then to tell teachers how much they mean to you! It may feel daunting to try to find teacher appreciation words that adequately express your thoughts.
Virginia Williams, Possip reporter with a background in Elementary Education & Special Education, shares words you can gather and share with teachers to help them feel appreciated.
If you find yourself feeling stumped when brainstorming for Teacher Appreciation, you’re not alone. Fear not – this blog post will help you! Below you’ll find creative tips and ideas to make every day throughout the school year special for the educators in your life.
‘Thank You’ Messages for Teachers
There are so many things you can say to make a teacher feel appreciated. A few words can truly make a big difference.
Check out this article for meaningful quotes that you can share with an educator. Try to be specific and choose a message that suits your particular teacher…ask yourself ”what qualities, abilities or character traits stand out?”
If you prefer to keep things lighthearted or silly, here is a list of funny messages that also might make your teacher’s day. More than anything, remember that “a few words of gratitude lift up and encourage, but not if we never send them. Follow through on your good intentions”.
In this article, Vidday has even written an email template for you so that the follow through is as easy as possible. Check it out!
‘Thank You’ Gestures for Teachers
If ‘a picture’s worth a thousand words’, then a gesture is worth about ten thousand words! So, if you find that your words are falling short when it comes to expressing appreciation for your teachers, you can SHOW them how much you appreciate them instead.
Administrators, your staff will surely love it if you provide breakfast in the Teacher’s Lounge or give teachers a “Jeans Pass” so they can dress casually one day. Another idea is to offer to cover each teacher’s class for twenty minutes during the day, so they can take a break or get ahead on some grading or lesson planning. Perhaps your staff is known for their coffee addiction – a special treat that would mean so much to them is a traveling coffee bar. Visit your teachers throughout the day with coffee and all the ‘fixins’ to provide them a little “pick-me-up” when they need it most. If coffee isn’t their thing, make it an ice cream sundae bar or a smoothie bar! The options are endless – get creative and have a good time celebrating your staff!
Families, you can also join in on the fun! Work together to throw a breakfast or a luncheon for staff. You can also provide your child’s teachers with a printed photo of them with your child.
Teacher Appreciation Words from Students
Lastly, we know that nothing means more to a teacher than hearing directly from their students.
Parents, you can encourage your children to express gratitude to their teachers in a variety of ways, but a simple handwritten note is hard to beat. For younger students, you can provide prompts or sentence starters, such as:
- “Describe your teacher in 3 words”
- “If your teacher was an animal, what animal would he/she be? Why?”
- “What is your favorite memory from Ms. ___’s class this year?”
- “What’s something that Mr. ___ has helped you with this year?”
Administrators, to extend the appreciation and gratitude a bit further, it would be so meaningful to display these messages of appreciation in a centralized location at your school, such as a bulletin board near the front entrance. It feels good to be celebrated, especially in front of your peers. Another option is to share these shout-outs via email or at staff meetings.
Quotes
Pulse Checks from Possip are a great way to collect words of teacher appreciation throughout the year. Here are some of our favorite quotes from students, families, and staff our Reporting Team has highlighted:
“My english teacher is the absolute best teacher! she leaves great feedback very kind and understanding, she also gives us more than enough time to do assignments they make me feel less stressed about getting my work done and make my assignments more enjoyable to do. i actually look forward to the future assignments i have. thank you!” – High School Student
“Ms. S has been wonderful in our daughter’s Dyslexia journey. She has shared with us all of her progress, and keeps us in the loop constantly!” – Elementary Parent
“Mo hijo paso por una etapa muy difÃcil y agradezco mucho su comprensión por parte de administración y maestros sobre todo la señorita J muchas gracias” TRANSLATION: “My son went through a very difficult stage and I am very grateful for the understanding of the administration and teachers, especially Miss J, thank you very much.” – High School Parent
“I would like to shout out Ms. S and Ms. C for being incredible coaches and always willing to lend a helping hand. I also want to give a shout out to admin (Mr. W and Mr. W) for supporting both the staff and the students, and to Mrs. M for always willing to give advice.” – School Staff Member
Conclusion
Remember, you don’t have to wait until Teacher Appreciation Day to do all of these great things! Our appreciation is constant throughout the year so let’s make sure our wonderful teachers know that! Administrators, don’t forget to add “Teacher Appreciation Prep” to your next meeting agenda. You can also share with parents ways that they can get connected to the PTO and participate in the planning and collaboration for Teacher Appreciation Day.
Speed Read (tldr) of The Best Words for Teacher Appreciation - What to Say
- Teacher Appreciation Words Can Be Expressed Anytime: You don’t have to wait for Teacher Appreciation Day in May to show your gratitude. Finding the right teacher appreciation words and sharing them throughout the year can make a significant impact on educators.
- Creative Gestures Speak Volumes: Sometimes, actions speak louder than teacher appreciation words. Consider thoughtful gestures like providing a coffee bar or hosting a staff breakfast to show appreciation in ways that resonate deeply with teachers.
- Student-Centric Teacher Appreciation Words: Encourage students to use heartfelt teacher appreciation words through handwritten notes or creative prompts. Displaying these messages can further enhance the sense of recognition and value teachers receive.
Read below for resources, tips, and the why!
The post The Best Words for Teacher Appreciation – What to Say appeared first on Possip.
Thursday 19 September 2024
Student Success Plans for Families: How and Why to Use Them
Your child needs to know that you are on their team. But, what does that look like? How can you create a doable and developmentally appropriate plan for success? What do student success plans look like? It’s certainly not completing their homework assignments for them to help them get an A.
Cate Reed, seasoned administrator, current Senior Vice President of Teach For America, and Possip Reporter, explores ideas on how families can develop plans to ensure students can stay on a path for academic success.
Families and students may find developing a success plan effective to clarify each person’s responsibilities in supporting a student’s academic progress. These plans, which can be developed yearly, every semester, or monthly, help articulate where a student wants to be headed and give them a path to get there.
Below are ideas for parents to use with their child to build strong student success plans.
Jump to...
Help Your Child Clarify and Visualize Goals and Plans
There is nothing motivating about vague or opaque goals. Children want to know where they are headed, and the adults in their lives should be aligned on those goal posts as well. Here are some concrete tools you can use:
- Goal Setting Worksheets: Structured forms that guide students through the process of setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
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- How to Use: Sit down with your child to fill out these worksheets, breaking down large goals into smaller, manageable steps. Regularly review these goals and adjust them as necessary.
- Progress Charts and Graphs: Visual representations of a student’s progress over time.
- How to Use: Create charts that track grades, completion of assignments, or progress in specific skills. Review these charts regularly to celebrate improvements and identify areas needing attention.
Create Realistic Goals in Your Student Success Plan
Getting a perfect SAT score or a 4.0+ GPA are not goals that are likely attainable and set up students for failure. Consider incremental milestones that can be tracked and adjusted over time.
Clear, realistic goal examples:
- Complete all assignments on time for two weeks.
- Move from a C+ to a B in a specific class.
- Be on time to school and class for a full month.
- Meet with a teacher to get extra help twice a week for three weeks.
Review Goals and Progress Frequently
Ensure that you are creating many opportunities for stepping back to check in on progress, celebrate successes and adjust as necessary to give tangible chances for success. Ensure you are liking actions taken (“Wow – you turned all your homework in on time for three weeks and your grade went from a 72% to an 81% – that is great!”).
Ways to step back and take in the big picture:
Family Meetings: Regularly scheduled discussions involving all family members to talk about each person’s progress and goals.
- How to Use: Set aside time weekly or monthly to discuss each family member’s achievements and areas for growth. Use this time to set new goals and plan how to support each other in achieving them.
Feedback Sessions: One-on-one or family discussions focused on providing constructive feedback.
- How to Use: Use a structured format such as “Two Stars and a Wish” where you discuss two things that went well and one area to improve. Ensure the feedback is specific and actionable.
Parent-Teacher Conferences: Meetings between parents and teachers to discuss a student’s performance and development.
- How to Use: Prepare for these conferences by reviewing your child’s work and any reflections or goals they have set. Use the conference to gain insights from the teacher and collaboratively develop strategies for growth.
Journals and Reflection Sheets: Written documents where students can regularly note their achievements, challenges, and future aspirations.
- How to Use: Encourage students to spend a few minutes each week writing about what went well, what didn’t, and what they hope to improve. Parents can review these journals periodically and discuss them with their children.
Conclusion
Student success plans are a specific strategy to set realistic academic goals that can help them find long term school success. Reflecting on successes, areas for growth, and setting new goals is essential for a student’s development and can be greatly supported by family involvement. For further reading on related topics, consider exploring the following resources:
By thinking about the use of a student success plan you can increase the likelihood of your child being on track to their academic goals. Moreover, they will be aligned with their biggest cheerleaders – the adults in their life – on the path to get there!
Speed Read (tldr) of Student Success Plans: What Are They and How Can Families Best Use Them?
- Be clear on your goals: Make sure you and your child align on what they want to accomplish and by when. Write out a student success plan.
- Be realistic: If your child is currently on the verge of failing, don’t set a goal of an A+. Encourage them to aim for goals that are ambitious but also feasible so they can see the fruits of their labor.
- Review frequently: Step back often with your child to check on their progress and make adjustments to the plan as necessary.
Read below for resources, tips, and the why!
The post Student Success Plans for Families: How and Why to Use Them appeared first on Possip.
Tuesday 17 September 2024
Parent Engagement at Schools: Building A Plan for Student Success
Speed Read (tldr) of Parent Engagement at Schools: Building A Plan for Student Success
- Definition and Evolution: Parent engagement involves active involvement in children’s education, from attending meetings to assisting with homework. Historically passive, it has evolved to include direct involvement in decision-making and educational activities, reflecting its increasing impact on student success.
- Benefits: Effective parent engagement enhances academic performance, social-emotional well-being, and teacher satisfaction. It also positively impacts community health and civic participation, making it a crucial element in holistic student development.
- Plan for Success: Successful engagement requires clear communication, building trust, and involving parents in school decisions. Utilizing both traditional methods and digital tools like Possip, along with overcoming barriers such as language and socio-economic disparities, is essential for fostering meaningful connections between schools and families.
Read below for resources, tips, and the why!
Table of Contents
Parent engagement and community engagement effectively contribute to a supportive learning plan and environment that fosters student success on multiple levels. This comprehensive guide explores the essence of parent and community engagement, its evolution over time, and the manifold benefits it brings to students, teachers, schools, and the wider society. We will also delve into strategic methods to enhance engagement, outlining the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders involved and the impact of these collaborative efforts on educational outcomes.
What is Parent Engagement?
Parent engagement refers to the active involvement of parents in their children’s education and school-related activities. It involves everything from participating in parent-teacher meetings to assisting children with homework. Think of it as a collaborative endeavor between home and school, aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and creating a supportive learning environment. Check out this article to learn more about How Possip Meets the Core Competencies of Family Engagement.
Here are the latest eight core competencies in family engagement from the National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE), which emphasize a holistic and inclusive approach to education:
You can read more about the competencies as defined by NAFSCE here: Family Engagement Core Competencies: A Body of Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions for Family-Facing Professionals.
Historical Context and Evolution of Parent Engagement
Historically, parent engagement often meant limited visits to school or occasional volunteering. However, as research has underscored its impact on student success, schools have increasingly sought to deepen parent involvement. This evolution has shifted from passive to active parent engagement. Schools are now employing various strategies to involve parents more directly in decision-making processes and everyday educational activities.
Benefits of Parent Engagement
Academic Benefits for Students
Engaged parents significantly boost their children’s academic performance. Research shows that students achieve higher grades, attend school more regularly, and are more likely to pursue higher education when their parents are involved.
Social and Emotional Benefits
Parent engagement leads to better social skills, improved behavior, and enhanced self-esteem among students. Children feel more supported when their families are involved in their school activities, contributing to better emotional health.
Benefits for Teachers and Schools
Parent engagement improves teacher morale and job satisfaction. Engaged parents provide valuable feedback and support, helping teachers refine their teaching strategies and effectively manage their classrooms.
Community and Societal Benefits
Effective parent and community engagement strengthens the whole community. Schools that successfully engage parents and community members often see benefits like lower crime rates, improved student health, and increased civic participation.
Strategies for Effective Parent Engagement
Communication Channels
Schools need to establish clear, consistent, and accessible communication channels. Possip’s platform, with its capabilities to gather real-time feedback, is a vital tool for maintaining open communication between parents and schools.
Traditional Methods of Parent Engagement
Traditional methods such as parent-teacher meetings, newsletters, and community events remain effective. These methods provide direct, personal interaction, which is crucial for building trust and relationships.
Digital Communication with Parents
In the digital age, tools like emails, school websites, and mobile apps enhance parent engagement. Possip’s platform excels in offering streamlined digital communication methods that include feedback loops and data analytics, making it easier to promptly address parents’ concerns.
Building Trust and Relationships with Parents
Schools must work to foster relationships with families through consistent positive interactions and by being responsive to their concerns and feedback.
Involvement in Decision Making
Encouraging parents to participate in school decisions that affect their children can lead to greater commitment and satisfaction. This involvement also helps parents understand the challenges schools face, creating a more cooperative environment.
Providing Support and Resources to Parents
Schools should equip parents with resources to help them support their children’s education at home. This includes educational materials, workshops, and access to support services. Here are some additional Ways To Win and our Top 7 Family Engagement Tools.
Roles and Responsibilities
Role of Parents
Parents have a primary responsibility to support their children’s educational journeys by staying informed and actively participating in school activities and decision-making processes. NAFSCE describes the importance of seeing families as funds of knowledge: “Funds of knowledge is a term that underscores how family-facing professionals can activate and capitalize on building on the strengths of students and their families as resources for learning.”
Here are 60 Parent Engagement Ideas To Boost School Involvement.
Role of Teachers and School Staff
Teachers and school staff should encourage parent engagement by providing a welcoming environment. This can happen through being approachable, and sharing resources that help parents support learning at home.
Role of Non Parent Community Members
Community members, including local businesses and organizations, can support schools by providing resources, funding, and expertise, thereby enriching the educational experience for students.
Role of Educational Administrators
Administrators are crucial in setting the tone by creating policies that encourage collaboration between staff and parents and by allocating resources for engagement activities.
Building a Community Engagement Plan
Steps to Develop a Comprehensive Community Engagement Plan
Developing an effective engagement plan involves assessing current engagement levels, setting clear goals, and outlining strategies to achieve these goals. It involves continuous evaluation and adjustment.
Involving Local Businesses and Organizations
Partnerships with local businesses can provide schools with additional resources and support, from sponsorships to educational programs, enhancing the overall quality of education.
Measuring the Success of Your Community Engagement Initiatives
Success measurement can be achieved through surveys, attendance records at school events, and academic outcomes. Regularly reviewing these metrics helps in fine-tuning engagement strategies. Here are other basics to measure and increase parent engagement.
Challenges and Solutions of Parent Engagement
Common Barriers
Common barriers include lack of time, language differences, and cultural disparities. Addressing these effectively requires tailored strategies that consider the diverse needs of the school community.
Overcoming Language and Cultural Differences
Possip’s platform, which offers multilingual support, is an excellent tool for bridging language gaps, ensuring that all parents, regardless of their primary language, can engage with their children’s education. For more ideas and a deep dive into the patterns in data Possip has regarding responses we see submitted in languages other than English, check out this event recap: Breaking the Language Barrier.
Addressing Socio-Economic Disparities
Socio-economic disparities can be mitigated by providing equitable access to resources and support for all students and families, fostering a more inclusive school environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Conclusion
By actively involving parents and the community in the educational process, schools can create more supportive and inclusive environments that promote student success and well-being. While challenges such as cultural differences and resource limitations exist, strategic approaches and tools like Possip can effectively bridge these gaps. Utilizing tools fosters deeper engagement and cooperation. Moving forward, embracing these practices and continuously refining engagement strategies will be crucial in adapting to future trends and changes in education. Emphasizing the collective effort and commitment to student success, this guide serves as a resource for educators and administrators seeking to harness the full potential of their communities.
The post Parent Engagement at Schools: Building A Plan for Student Success appeared first on Possip.
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