Copyright 2008

This presentation has video that requires a free download of QucikTime for Windows or Macintosh for best viewing.

CapacityCapacity Building Building

PartnershipPartnershipss

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Download http://www.projectappleseed.org/ProjectAppleseedrt3.pdf

Our Program Outline forU.S. Department of Education

Race to the Top Fund Investing In Innovation Grants

Download http://www.projectappleseed.org/ProjectAppleseedrt3.pdf

Our Program Outline forU.S. Department of Education

Race to the Top Fund Investing In Innovation Grants

Does Your Race to the Top Include Parent Engagement? If Not, Will You Make It to the Top??

Does Your Race to the Top Include Parent Engagement? If Not, Will You Make It to the Top??

IndexSix Slices of Parental Involvement

IndexSix Slices of Parental Involvement

topic slide

Our History & Mission 5

Barriers to Parental Involvement 11

Four Myths of Parental Involvement 17

Six Slices of Parental Involvement 22

Parental Involvement Pledge 28

Parental Involvement Toolbox 37

Logic Model 44

topic slide

Our History & Mission 5

Barriers to Parental Involvement 11

Four Myths of Parental Involvement 17

Six Slices of Parental Involvement 22

Parental Involvement Pledge 28

Parental Involvement Toolbox 37

Logic Model 44

Our HistoryOur History

A dozen parents and citizens in the St. Louis County, Missouri, community of University City, formed this organization in October of 1992, when the board of education’s strategic plan called for the establishment of a model parent group. The plan called for:

“An independent self-perpetuating group, interested in the overall welfare of District schools, that will maximize community

involvement, develop fund-raising activities, monitor District progress, and

perform studies and make recommendations to the District.”

By 1994, we became a model for the White House in the landmark inclusion of parental involvement mandates, in Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Schools Act. This legislation currently affects half of the public school children in America.

Nationwide over 5,000 schools & districts are a part of our organization’s campaign. Our newsletter, Appleseed Today, reaches 400,000 educators each month. Our web site has over 250,000 unique visitors and is accessed in the United States and over 30 countries around the world each day.

A dozen parents and citizens in the St. Louis County, Missouri, community of University City, formed this organization in October of 1992, when the board of education’s strategic plan called for the establishment of a model parent group. The plan called for:

“An independent self-perpetuating group, interested in the overall welfare of District schools, that will maximize community

involvement, develop fund-raising activities, monitor District progress, and

perform studies and make recommendations to the District.”

By 1994, we became a model for the White House in the landmark inclusion of parental involvement mandates, in Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Schools Act. This legislation currently affects half of the public school children in America.

Nationwide over 5,000 schools & districts are a part of our organization’s campaign. Our newsletter, Appleseed Today, reaches 400,000 educators each month. Our web site has over 250,000 unique visitors and is accessed in the United States and over 30 countries around the world each day.

Top 10Project Appleseed's

leadership is among the Top Ten in American

education. Project Appleseed’s founder and president, Kevin Walker, was named one the Top Ten People In

American Education during the last decade of the 20th century by

Teacher magazine. Mr. Walker is also the recipient of Parenting magazine's Parenting Leader Award, honoring men

and women who are working to improve the lives of children and

public education in the United States. Project Appleseed is the #1 source for

'parental involvement in public schools' in Google & Yahoo.

Top 10Project Appleseed's

leadership is among the Top Ten in American

education. Project Appleseed’s founder and president, Kevin Walker, was named one the Top Ten People In

American Education during the last decade of the 20th century by

Teacher magazine. Mr. Walker is also the recipient of Parenting magazine's Parenting Leader Award, honoring men

and women who are working to improve the lives of children and

public education in the United States. Project Appleseed is the #1 source for

'parental involvement in public schools' in Google & Yahoo.

Our MissionOur Mission

Project Appleseed is a major educational resource and advocate

for parents and families engaged in the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness

in America’s public schools.

We are a catalyst in the implementation of effective, research based, model parent and community

involvement programs that increase social capital, improves the lives of families and revitalizes schools

and communities across the United States.

Project Appleseed is a major educational resource and advocate

for parents and families engaged in the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness

in America’s public schools.

We are a catalyst in the implementation of effective, research based, model parent and community

involvement programs that increase social capital, improves the lives of families and revitalizes schools

and communities across the United States. Project AppleseedProject Appleseed

Our Three Purposes To positively impact public education,

we promote total quality improvement in learning, wellness, and school facilities.

We aid parents & educators in meeting the needs of the whole child through three

purposes:

Our Three Purposes To positively impact public education,

we promote total quality improvement in learning, wellness, and school facilities.

We aid parents & educators in meeting the needs of the whole child through three

purposes:

1. Increasing student achievement by mobilizing parent, family and community volunteers inside and outside schools.

2. Strengthening fitness & nutrition by supporting family participation in physical activities and healthy eating.

3. Enhancing the learning environment by utilizing alumni and community giving – as universities do - to finance the rebuilding of public schools as green buildings.

1. Increasing student achievement by mobilizing parent, family and community volunteers inside and outside schools.

2. Strengthening fitness & nutrition by supporting family participation in physical activities and healthy eating.

3. Enhancing the learning environment by utilizing alumni and community giving – as universities do - to finance the rebuilding of public schools as green buildings.

Three Types of Giving in Public Schools

Three Types of Giving in Public Schools

Volunteer TimeVolunteers give their time to such activities as parent decision making committees, tutoring programs, after-school enrichment programs, mentoring programs, and classroom support.

Monetary ContributionsMonetary donations are almost always targeted for a specific purpose or program. Generally, schools first develop priorities, plans, or goals and then approach private givers with specific proposals.

Material DonationsMany schools receive in-kind donations of instructional materials, computers, software, equipment, supplies, gift certificates and more.

Volunteer TimeVolunteers give their time to such activities as parent decision making committees, tutoring programs, after-school enrichment programs, mentoring programs, and classroom support.

Monetary ContributionsMonetary donations are almost always targeted for a specific purpose or program. Generally, schools first develop priorities, plans, or goals and then approach private givers with specific proposals.

Material DonationsMany schools receive in-kind donations of instructional materials, computers, software, equipment, supplies, gift certificates and more.

Rand Corp, Zimmer, Krop, Kaganoff, Ross, Brewer, 2001

President Obama Addresses Congress President Obama Addresses Congress

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

What if 100 million parents, grandparents, and caring adults

volunteered 10 hours in America’s public schools each year?

What if 100 million parents, grandparents, and caring adults

volunteered 10 hours in America’s public schools each year?

They would contribute one billion hours of valuable family involvement capacity - critical to increasing student achievement for the nation’s 50 million K-12 students.

Financially, if teachers dedicated similar time

one-on-one with their students, the minimum dollar benefit to children and schools would be $34 billion.

That matches the $37 billionspent by the federal government on

all public schools this year.

They would contribute one billion hours of valuable family involvement capacity - critical to increasing student achievement for the nation’s 50 million K-12 students.

Financially, if teachers dedicated similar time

one-on-one with their students, the minimum dollar benefit to children and schools would be $34 billion.

That matches the $37 billionspent by the federal government on

all public schools this year.

Based on the average teacher pay in America of $34.00 an hour* Wall Street Journal. Includes: ESEA, Title I, IDEA, Improving Teacher Quality, 21st Century Community Learning Centers, English Language Learners and Impact Aid

Barriers to Parental InvolvementBarriers to Parental Involvement

The most recent research on effective parental

involvement shows that numerous barriers to

involvement exist for both schools and families.

Some barriers are created by limited resources, while

others originate from the beliefs, perceptions and

attitudes of families and school staff. (Liontos, 1992)

The most recent research on effective parental

involvement shows that numerous barriers to

involvement exist for both schools and families.

Some barriers are created by limited resources, while

others originate from the beliefs, perceptions and

attitudes of families and school staff. (Liontos, 1992)

The most common barriers to family involvement include:The most common barriers to family involvement include:

Lack of teacher time.

Educator’s misperceptions of parents' abilities.

Lack of understanding of parents' communication styles.

Family mobility, limited family resources, such as transportation and child care.

Parents' lack of comfort and vested interest in the school along with tension in relationships between parents and teachers.

Difficulties of involvement in the upper grades.

(Jones, 2001; Baker, 2000; Caplan, 2000; American Association of School Administrators, 1998; Liontos, 1992)

Lack of teacher time.

Educator’s misperceptions of parents' abilities.

Lack of understanding of parents' communication styles.

Family mobility, limited family resources, such as transportation and child care.

Parents' lack of comfort and vested interest in the school along with tension in relationships between parents and teachers.

Difficulties of involvement in the upper grades.

(Jones, 2001; Baker, 2000; Caplan, 2000; American Association of School Administrators, 1998; Liontos, 1992)

Additionally, family involvement programs are often not fully implemented because:

Additionally, family involvement programs are often not fully implemented because:

School staff had not been trained to work with families.

Administrators and teachers worried that increased family involvement would add to their already busy schedules.

Educators were concerned that closer relationships with families

would mean giving up power and decision-making.

Families were not sure how far they could go in making suggestions or asking questions; they worried that children would be punished for their parents' actions by a teacher or principal who was annoyed or threatened by the parent.

School staff had not been trained to work with families.

Administrators and teachers worried that increased family involvement would add to their already busy schedules.

Educators were concerned that closer relationships with families

would mean giving up power and decision-making.

Families were not sure how far they could go in making suggestions or asking questions; they worried that children would be punished for their parents' actions by a teacher or principal who was annoyed or threatened by the parent.

"It Takes A Parent”Federal, state, and local officials must do a better job of abiding by the parental

involvement sections of the No Child Left Behind Act. "It Takes A Parent" is a report

based on research involving 18 school districts in six states. The report finds that:

"It Takes A Parent”Federal, state, and local officials must do a better job of abiding by the parental

involvement sections of the No Child Left Behind Act. "It Takes A Parent" is a report

based on research involving 18 school districts in six states. The report finds that: Current parent involvement provisions of the law are

solid and ambitious, but require more faithful implementation and greater enforcement.

Teachers and administrators often lack training in how to engage parents; and parent involvement has fallen to the bottom of the list of NCLB requirements, though it is integral to the success of the law and of students and schools.

Data reports are often confusing and overwhelming, and parents wait months for performance results, often into the next school year.

(Appleseed Foundation 2006)

Current parent involvement provisions of the law are solid and ambitious, but require more faithful implementation and greater enforcement.

Teachers and administrators often lack training in how to engage parents; and parent involvement has fallen to the bottom of the list of NCLB requirements, though it is integral to the success of the law and of students and schools.

Data reports are often confusing and overwhelming, and parents wait months for performance results, often into the next school year.

(Appleseed Foundation 2006)

Leave No Parent BehindLeave No Parent Behind

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Effective strategies to increase parent involvement programs

Effective strategies to increase parent involvement programs

Engage in two-way, regular communication with families.

Start with a needs assessment like Project Appleseed’s Parental Involvement Checklist for schools and the Parental Involvement Report Card for parents.

Tailor programs to schools' specific needs and be

respectful of diversity.

Clarify how parents can be involved in their children's education by asking parents to take our Parental Involvement Pledge.

Foster a climate of mutual respect and trust.

Welcome families into the school.

(Blazer& Drake 2000)

Engage in two-way, regular communication with families.

Start with a needs assessment like Project Appleseed’s Parental Involvement Checklist for schools and the Parental Involvement Report Card for parents.

Tailor programs to schools' specific needs and be

respectful of diversity.

Clarify how parents can be involved in their children's education by asking parents to take our Parental Involvement Pledge.

Foster a climate of mutual respect and trust.

Welcome families into the school.

(Blazer& Drake 2000)

Click Here and Download sample Adobe PDF copies of the

Parental Involvement PledgeParental Involvement Report Card

Click Here and Download sample Adobe PDF copies of the

Parental Involvement PledgeParental Involvement Report Card

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

The research identifies certain types of parental involvement and specific strategies as effective in

supporting student learning.

The research identifies certain types of parental involvement and specific strategies as effective in

supporting student learning.

Increasing the number of contacts between the school and the parent does appear to stimulate parent volunteerism.

Parent communication with school and parent participation in a PTO/PTA can be influenced by schools. A study found that increased school-initiated contact resulted in reciprocal parent contacts.

Thus, enhanced school contacts with parents should increase the parents' contacts with school.

Creating opportunities to engage parents to a greater degree in school can increase their involvement in the school's organizational structure.

(Bourdieu 1990 & Feuerstein 2000)

Increasing the number of contacts between the school and the parent does appear to stimulate parent volunteerism.

Parent communication with school and parent participation in a PTO/PTA can be influenced by schools. A study found that increased school-initiated contact resulted in reciprocal parent contacts.

Thus, enhanced school contacts with parents should increase the parents' contacts with school.

Creating opportunities to engage parents to a greater degree in school can increase their involvement in the school's organizational structure.

(Bourdieu 1990 & Feuerstein 2000)

Pop Quiz: Parental Involvement Report Card

Pop Quiz: Parental Involvement Report Card

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

The Four Myths of Parental Involvement

The Four Myths of Parental Involvement

Not all parent involvement activities are created equal!

The National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) has combed through research to learn how parents can help improve their children's achievement. Based on this research, SEDL responds to four misconceptions of parent involvement in schools.

Not all parent involvement activities are created equal!

The National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) has combed through research to learn how parents can help improve their children's achievement. Based on this research, SEDL responds to four misconceptions of parent involvement in schools.

Myth #1: As a parent, the best way to get involved in my child's education is by joining the

local parents' organization.

Myth #1: As a parent, the best way to get involved in my child's education is by joining the

local parents' organization.Parents who are dues-paying members of their children's school PTA are supporting the oldest and largest child advocacy organization in the United States. But being a member alone doesn't ensure effective involvement in a child's learning.

To support achievement, research suggests the most effective parental involvement focuses on learning activities-reading to children, letting them figure prices at the grocery store or setting aside time and space to do homework and projects.

There are benefits in joining an organization like the PTA or PTO, such as the opportunity to share experiences and information with other parents and access to organizational resources. Just the same, parents can provide the support needed at home for their children to be successful in school without joining a local parent organization.

Parents who are dues-paying members of their children's school PTA are supporting the oldest and largest child advocacy organization in the United States. But being a member alone doesn't ensure effective involvement in a child's learning.

To support achievement, research suggests the most effective parental involvement focuses on learning activities-reading to children, letting them figure prices at the grocery store or setting aside time and space to do homework and projects.

There are benefits in joining an organization like the PTA or PTO, such as the opportunity to share experiences and information with other parents and access to organizational resources. Just the same, parents can provide the support needed at home for their children to be successful in school without joining a local parent organization.

Myth #2: The teacher is the sole expert in educating a child,

so a parent should never question a teacher or staff on school-related issues.

Myth #2: The teacher is the sole expert in educating a child,

so a parent should never question a teacher or staff on school-related issues.

Teachers and parents or family caregivers play different roles in a child's education. And a good relationship between a teacher and a parent, based on mutual respect and trust, benefits students. At times, parents may need to ask a teacher or school staff member for clarification about a specific issue or information.

Parents should contact their children's teachers or other school staff when they have questions about their children's education. Most school staff members begin to see parents as partners when they know they will ask questions when information is unclear.

Teachers and parents or family caregivers play different roles in a child's education. And a good relationship between a teacher and a parent, based on mutual respect and trust, benefits students. At times, parents may need to ask a teacher or school staff member for clarification about a specific issue or information.

Parents should contact their children's teachers or other school staff when they have questions about their children's education. Most school staff members begin to see parents as partners when they know they will ask questions when information is unclear.

Myth #3: The influence of parent involvement on school achievement depends on the parents' income, level of

education, and employment status.

Myth #3: The influence of parent involvement on school achievement depends on the parents' income, level of

education, and employment status.

A large body of research confirms that family involvement in children's school experiences has a positive effect on children's attitudes toward achievement in school, regardless of how much money parents have or how many years of school they completed.

More important is the parents' attitude toward learning. Working parents may not have much time to be involved at their children's schools, but they can show how much they value education and take an active interest in what their children are learning.

A large body of research confirms that family involvement in children's school experiences has a positive effect on children's attitudes toward achievement in school, regardless of how much money parents have or how many years of school they completed.

More important is the parents' attitude toward learning. Working parents may not have much time to be involved at their children's schools, but they can show how much they value education and take an active interest in what their children are learning.

Myth #4: The key actors in parent involvement are

the teacher, parents or family, and the student.

Myth #4: The key actors in parent involvement are

the teacher, parents or family, and the student.

Meaningful and successful parent involvement is not limited to partnerships between parents and teachers. Parents and family caregivers should think of the following educators and decision makers as participants in their children's educations-teachers, the principal, the school board, the superintendent, and public officials.

Parents can influence school board members and public officials by participating in meetings, voting, and engaging in discussions of education matters and child advocacy issues.

Meaningful and successful parent involvement is not limited to partnerships between parents and teachers. Parents and family caregivers should think of the following educators and decision makers as participants in their children's educations-teachers, the principal, the school board, the superintendent, and public officials.

Parents can influence school board members and public officials by participating in meetings, voting, and engaging in discussions of education matters and child advocacy issues.

The Double Helix of Public SchoolsIn the 21st century school improvement works like the double helix that combines and recombines genetic material to renew life. An effective school improvement strategy must combine two complementary strands:

The Double Helix of Public SchoolsIn the 21st century school improvement works like the double helix that combines and recombines genetic material to renew life. An effective school improvement strategy must combine two complementary strands:

The inside strand focuses on the content of schooling - curricula, academic standards, incentives and work rules for teachers and a philosophy of school management.

The outside strand attracts and mobilizes community and political support, social capital, and other resources from outside the traditional school bureaucracy - from parents, grandparents, community members, alumni, businesses and the larger community.

The inside strand focuses on the content of schooling - curricula, academic standards, incentives and work rules for teachers and a philosophy of school management.

The outside strand attracts and mobilizes community and political support, social capital, and other resources from outside the traditional school bureaucracy - from parents, grandparents, community members, alumni, businesses and the larger community.

Many communities have the financial, intellectual, and leadership resources needed to rebuild their own educational improvement strategies. To initiate an effort to improve public schools in all of our nation's communities, Project Appleseed concentrates on the outside strand of school improvement. We mobilize Americans to volunteer and give to their local public schools based on the Six Slices of Parental Involvement.

(Hill, 1989)

Many communities have the financial, intellectual, and leadership resources needed to rebuild their own educational improvement strategies. To initiate an effort to improve public schools in all of our nation's communities, Project Appleseed concentrates on the outside strand of school improvement. We mobilize Americans to volunteer and give to their local public schools based on the Six Slices of Parental Involvement.

(Hill, 1989)

School GenomeSchool Genome

Six Types of Parental Involvement, Epstein, et. al. 2002.Six Types of Parental Involvement, Epstein, et. al. 2002.

The Six Slices of Parental InvolvementThe Six Slices of Parental Involvement

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

GOAL: Recruit and organize parent help and support

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Distribute Project Appleseed's learning compact known as the Parental Involvement Pledge to recruit and organize parent volunteers.

Distribute Project Appleseed's Parental Involvement Report Card. The Report Card is intended to help parents evaluate their contributions to their child's success at school .

Use the Project Appleseed's Parent Volunteer Database to identify all available talents, times, and locations of volunteers.

Establish a parent room or center for volunteer work, meetings, and resources for families.

GOAL: Recruit and organize parent help and support

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Distribute Project Appleseed's learning compact known as the Parental Involvement Pledge to recruit and organize parent volunteers.

Distribute Project Appleseed's Parental Involvement Report Card. The Report Card is intended to help parents evaluate their contributions to their child's success at school .

Use the Project Appleseed's Parent Volunteer Database to identify all available talents, times, and locations of volunteers.

Establish a parent room or center for volunteer work, meetings, and resources for families.

VOLUNTEERINGVOLUNTEERING

Slice 1

VOLUNTEERING

Slice 1

VOLUNTEERING

PARENTINGPARENTING

GOAL: Help all families establish home environments to support children as students.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Home visits at transition points to preschool, elementary, middle and high school; and neighborhood meetings to help families understand schools and to help schools understand families.

School provides suggestions for home conditions that support learning at each grade level, provides workshops, videotapes, and/or computerized phone messages on parenting and child-rearing .

Parent education and other courses or training for parents (e.g., GED, college credit; family literacy), and family support programs to assist families with health nutrition, and other services.

GOAL: Help all families establish home environments to support children as students.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Home visits at transition points to preschool, elementary, middle and high school; and neighborhood meetings to help families understand schools and to help schools understand families.

School provides suggestions for home conditions that support learning at each grade level, provides workshops, videotapes, and/or computerized phone messages on parenting and child-rearing .

Parent education and other courses or training for parents (e.g., GED, college credit; family literacy), and family support programs to assist families with health nutrition, and other services.

Slice 2

PARENTING

Slice 2

PARENTING

COMMUNICATINGCOMMUNICATING

GOAL: Design more effective forms of school-to-home and home-to-school communications with all families each year about school programs and their children's progress.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Parent and student pick-up of report card, with conferences with every parent at least twice a year, with follow-ups as needed.

Weekly or monthly folders of student work are sent home and reviewed, parental comments returned to teacher. Regular schedule of useful notices, memos, phone calls, newsletters, and other communications.

Clear information on all school policies, programs reforms, and transitions. Clear information on choosing schools, or courses, programs, and activities within schools.

GOAL: Design more effective forms of school-to-home and home-to-school communications with all families each year about school programs and their children's progress.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Parent and student pick-up of report card, with conferences with every parent at least twice a year, with follow-ups as needed.

Weekly or monthly folders of student work are sent home and reviewed, parental comments returned to teacher. Regular schedule of useful notices, memos, phone calls, newsletters, and other communications.

Clear information on all school policies, programs reforms, and transitions. Clear information on choosing schools, or courses, programs, and activities within schools.

Slice 3

COMMUNICATING

Slice 3

COMMUNICATING

LEARNING AT HOMELEARNING AT HOME

GOAL: Provide information and ideas to families about how to help students at home with homework and other curricular-related activities, decisions, and planning.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Information on homework policies and how to monitor, and discuss schoolwork at home, and skills required for students in all subjects at each grade.

Information on how to assist students to improve skills on various class and school assignments.

Regular schedule of homework that requires students to discuss and interact with families on what they are learning in class (e.g., TIPS).

Goal setting for students with families each year, and for future plans for college or work.

GOAL: Provide information and ideas to families about how to help students at home with homework and other curricular-related activities, decisions, and planning.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Information on homework policies and how to monitor, and discuss schoolwork at home, and skills required for students in all subjects at each grade.

Information on how to assist students to improve skills on various class and school assignments.

Regular schedule of homework that requires students to discuss and interact with families on what they are learning in class (e.g., TIPS).

Goal setting for students with families each year, and for future plans for college or work. Slice 4

LEARNING AT HOME

Slice 4LEARNING AT

HOME

DECISION MAKINGDECISION MAKING

GOAL: Include parents in school decisions, developing parent leaders and representatives.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Active PTA/PTO or other parent organizations, school advisory councils for parent leadership and participation.

District level councils and committees for family and community involvement.

Independent advocacy groups to work for school improvements and to provide networks to link all families with parent representatives.

Information on school or local elections for school representatives.

GOAL: Include parents in school decisions, developing parent leaders and representatives.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Active PTA/PTO or other parent organizations, school advisory councils for parent leadership and participation.

District level councils and committees for family and community involvement.

Independent advocacy groups to work for school improvements and to provide networks to link all families with parent representatives.

Information on school or local elections for school representatives. Slice 5DECISION MAKING

Slice 5DECISION MAKING

COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY

COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY

GOAL: Identify and integrate resources and services from the community to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Information for students and families on community health, cultural, recreational, social support, and other programs or services.

Information on community activities that link to learning skills and talents, including summer programs for students.

Service to the community by students, families, and schools (e.g., recycling, art, music, drama, and other activities for seniors or others, etc.)

Alumni to link to school programs for students.

GOAL: Identify and integrate resources and services from the community to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.

SAMPLE BEST PRACTICES

Information for students and families on community health, cultural, recreational, social support, and other programs or services.

Information on community activities that link to learning skills and talents, including summer programs for students.

Service to the community by students, families, and schools (e.g., recycling, art, music, drama, and other activities for seniors or others, etc.)

Alumni to link to school programs for students.

Slice 6 COLLABORATING

WITH COMMUNITY

Slice 6 COLLABORATING

WITH COMMUNITY

Community OutreachCommunity Outreach

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

The Parental Involvement PledgetmThe Parental Involvement Pledgetm

AS A PARENT, GRANDPARENT, OR CARING ADULT, I hereby give my pledge of commitment to help our community's children achieve a truly

independent future. My declaration of responsibility and commitment to my public schools is stated in the five self-evident truths as spoken by

President Woodrow Wilson…

AS A PARENT, GRANDPARENT, OR CARING ADULT, I hereby give my pledge of commitment to help our community's children achieve a truly

independent future. My declaration of responsibility and commitment to my public schools is stated in the five self-evident truths as spoken by

President Woodrow Wilson…

How To Build Capacity With the Pledge

How To Build Capacity With the Pledge

Our Title I learning compact is called the Parental Involvement Pledge and it is the most widely distributed compact in the United States. By signing the Pledge, parents agree to "take personal responsibility" for their children's education. We ask you, as parents, grandparents or as caring adults, to pledge to spend at least five hours each semester assisting at school, and fifteen minutes reading with your child each evening.

Our Title I learning compact is called the Parental Involvement Pledge and it is the most widely distributed compact in the United States. By signing the Pledge, parents agree to "take personal responsibility" for their children's education. We ask you, as parents, grandparents or as caring adults, to pledge to spend at least five hours each semester assisting at school, and fifteen minutes reading with your child each evening.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

How To Build Capacity With the PledgeHow To Build Capacity With the PledgeThe Pledge is distributed to families in individual schools and school districts, to connect them with volunteer opportunities programs for adults, focusing on school improvement and building social capital for the school community.

The Pledge entices parents to come to school for volunteering, parenting, academics, communication, safety, decision making, performances and more.

By coming to school often, parents communicate more with teachers on their children's progress and learn how to support learning at home. Excited by new ways to participate in school programs, and once comfortable, parents get involved and volunteer to help.

Parents of students and other adults participate in programs to further their own interests and education. Many parents become role models while aslo stimulating their children's improved performance, by demonstrating an interest in education,

The Pledge is distributed to families in individual schools and school districts, to connect them with volunteer opportunities programs for adults, focusing on school improvement and building social capital for the school community.

The Pledge entices parents to come to school for volunteering, parenting, academics, communication, safety, decision making, performances and more.

By coming to school often, parents communicate more with teachers on their children's progress and learn how to support learning at home. Excited by new ways to participate in school programs, and once comfortable, parents get involved and volunteer to help.

Parents of students and other adults participate in programs to further their own interests and education. Many parents become role models while aslo stimulating their children's improved performance, by demonstrating an interest in education,

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

What Is It?What Is It?The Parental Involvement Pledge is a learning compact that has two components. It provides an opportunity for parents to formalize their commitment to working with their child's school through a written agreement they can complete and take to their parent leader, school secretary, teacher, or principal.

The Pledge also provides a survey of parent volunteer interests. The survey identifies 37 areas in which parents can volunteer in school, outside the classroom and at home. The Pledge is aligned with the Six Slices of Parental Involvement.

The Parental Involvement Pledge is a learning compact that has two components. It provides an opportunity for parents to formalize their commitment to working with their child's school through a written agreement they can complete and take to their parent leader, school secretary, teacher, or principal.

The Pledge also provides a survey of parent volunteer interests. The survey identifies 37 areas in which parents can volunteer in school, outside the classroom and at home. The Pledge is aligned with the Six Slices of Parental Involvement.

How Do You Use the Pledge? The Pledge is a tool to share with staff and parent organizations as a way of recruiting volunteers and appropriately connecting them with specific needs and activities.

When Do You Use It? Title I of No Child Left Behind requires that a Pledge or other learning compact be used during parent-teacher conferences.

Use it also when you want to encourage parents to volunteer or when you want teachers to invite and encourage parental involvement on National Parental Involvement Day, the third Thursday in November or Public School Volunteer Week which is the third week of April.

How Do You Use the Pledge? The Pledge is a tool to share with staff and parent organizations as a way of recruiting volunteers and appropriately connecting them with specific needs and activities.

When Do You Use It? Title I of No Child Left Behind requires that a Pledge or other learning compact be used during parent-teacher conferences.

Use it also when you want to encourage parents to volunteer or when you want teachers to invite and encourage parental involvement on National Parental Involvement Day, the third Thursday in November or Public School Volunteer Week which is the third week of April.

Why Do You Use It? U.S. Department of Education research demonstrates that schools that use learning compacts like the Parental Involvement Pledge have higher student achievement than those that don't use them.

The Pledge provides a concrete way to help parents volunteer because it allows them to choose very specific activities. It is easier to get a commitment and follow-through if it is clear exactly what is being asked and what is expected. (Prospects Study 1993)

Who Do You Involve? Use the Pledge with parents, family members, parent groups, and staff as a tool and encouragement for parental involvement. When parents are involved, their children do better in school, and they go to better schools.

Why Do You Use It? U.S. Department of Education research demonstrates that schools that use learning compacts like the Parental Involvement Pledge have higher student achievement than those that don't use them.

The Pledge provides a concrete way to help parents volunteer because it allows them to choose very specific activities. It is easier to get a commitment and follow-through if it is clear exactly what is being asked and what is expected. (Prospects Study 1993)

Who Do You Involve? Use the Pledge with parents, family members, parent groups, and staff as a tool and encouragement for parental involvement. When parents are involved, their children do better in school, and they go to better schools.

Organized Parental InvolvementtmOrganized Parental Involvementtm

A growing number of school improvement initiatives seeking to transform schools are engaging significant numbers of organized parents. The initiatives strive to improve a school’s culture; the quality of relationships among educators, parents, and children; and students’ educational outcomes. The initiatives work toward effecting systemic change in a school, and they situate their reform efforts within the context of the surrounding community.

A growing number of school improvement initiatives seeking to transform schools are engaging significant numbers of organized parents. The initiatives strive to improve a school’s culture; the quality of relationships among educators, parents, and children; and students’ educational outcomes. The initiatives work toward effecting systemic change in a school, and they situate their reform efforts within the context of the surrounding community.

Since schools alone cannot solve the problems imported into them from society, some projects reach beyond schools; they draw upon the power of community institutions, such as businesses, civic groups, and churches to improve schools and aspects of life in the community that impact education. Successful systemic initiatives usually result in an increase in the quantity and quality of the various forms of parent involvement, such as the number of parent volunteers in the school, and the number of parents helping their children with homework.

(Lewis, 1997; Murnane & Levy, 1996, Giles 1998)

Since schools alone cannot solve the problems imported into them from society, some projects reach beyond schools; they draw upon the power of community institutions, such as businesses, civic groups, and churches to improve schools and aspects of life in the community that impact education. Successful systemic initiatives usually result in an increase in the quantity and quality of the various forms of parent involvement, such as the number of parent volunteers in the school, and the number of parents helping their children with homework.

(Lewis, 1997; Murnane & Levy, 1996, Giles 1998)

Secretary of Education Arne DuncanSecretary of Education Arne Duncan

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

How Much Is Parental Involvement

Worth to Your School?

How Much Is Parental Involvement

Worth to Your School?If volunteer service were calculated into the

school budget at $34.00 an hour, based on the average teacher pay in America*, then 100 family volunteers who take the Pledge will

generate at least $34,000.00 of volunteer service for their school each year!

Question.

How much volunteer time did your school get this year???

For just $250.00 per school, the Parental Involvement Toolbox has the cost effective,

research-based tools, like our learning compact called the Parental Involvement Pledge.

We can help you balance the budget.

If volunteer service were calculated into the school budget at $34.00 an hour, based on the

average teacher pay in America*, then 100 family volunteers who take the Pledge will

generate at least $34,000.00 of volunteer service for their school each year!

Question.

How much volunteer time did your school get this year???

For just $250.00 per school, the Parental Involvement Toolbox has the cost effective,

research-based tools, like our learning compact called the Parental Involvement Pledge.

We can help you balance the budget. * Wall Street Journal February 2, 2007

Create A Toolbox for Your SchoolsCreate A Toolbox for Your Schools

Each Toolbox has school branded master copies and a year long authorization to reproduce unlimited copies of the Toolbox.

One Year - $250.00 - Reproduction rights for one year at an individual school. Number of additional district schools? @ $125.00 each.

Two Years - $350.00 - Reproduction rights for two years at an individual school. Number of additional district schools? @$175.00 each.

Three Years - $500.00 - Reproduction rights for three years at an individual school. Number of additional district schools? @ $200.00 each.

Each Toolbox has school branded master copies and a year long authorization to reproduce unlimited copies of the Toolbox.

One Year - $250.00 - Reproduction rights for one year at an individual school. Number of additional district schools? @ $125.00 each.

Two Years - $350.00 - Reproduction rights for two years at an individual school. Number of additional district schools? @$175.00 each.

Three Years - $500.00 - Reproduction rights for three years at an individual school. Number of additional district schools? @ $200.00 each.

Get the Parental Involvement Toolbox Today!

Get the Parental Involvement Toolbox Today!

Project Appleseed has developed effective community engagement strategies that will organize parental involvement, increase school safety, and raise student achievement in local school districts. Each Toolbox has school branded master copies and a year long authorization to reproduce unlimited copies of:

The Parental Involvement Pledge learning compact

Parental Involvement Pledge Online

The Parental Involvement Report Card

Certificates of Parental Involvement for families and schools

Parent Organizing Database 1.1 Software ...... more!

Project Appleseed has developed effective community engagement strategies that will organize parental involvement, increase school safety, and raise student achievement in local school districts. Each Toolbox has school branded master copies and a year long authorization to reproduce unlimited copies of:

The Parental Involvement Pledge learning compact

Parental Involvement Pledge Online

The Parental Involvement Report Card

Certificates of Parental Involvement for families and schools

Parent Organizing Database 1.1 Software ...... more!

Tools In The Parental Involvement Toolbox

Tools In The Parental Involvement Toolbox

1. Parent Volunteer Recruitment Tools.

Master copies of the Parental Involvement Pledge.pdf, branded with your school's name, for distribution to every student and family.

Master copies of the Parental Involvement Report Card.pdf self-assessment, for distribution to every parent, grandparent, and caring adult.

Web page for the Parental Involvement Pledge Online, branded with your school's name, for accessibility anywhere!

Masterfiles are in Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf files). Toolboxes are delivered by e-mail.

1. Parent Volunteer Recruitment Tools.

Master copies of the Parental Involvement Pledge.pdf, branded with your school's name, for distribution to every student and family.

Master copies of the Parental Involvement Report Card.pdf self-assessment, for distribution to every parent, grandparent, and caring adult.

Web page for the Parental Involvement Pledge Online, branded with your school's name, for accessibility anywhere!

Masterfiles are in Adobe Portable Document Format (.pdf files). Toolboxes are delivered by e-mail.

Tools In The Parental Involvement Toolbox

Tools In The Parental Involvement Toolbox

2. Parent Organizing Database 1.1

A complete data base for all Pledged volunteers-- parents, grandparents, families and community members.

Monitor Pledge fulfillment activity of each volunteer.

Keep detailed information on unique volunteer preferences and abilities...and more!

2. Parent Organizing Database 1.1

A complete data base for all Pledged volunteers-- parents, grandparents, families and community members.

Monitor Pledge fulfillment activity of each volunteer.

Keep detailed information on unique volunteer preferences and abilities...and more!

Tools In The Parental Involvement ToolboxTools In The Parental Involvement Toolbox

3. Staff Support Tools

Suggestions on How To Run A Successful Pledge Campaign.

Twenty-Six Ways to Reach Out to Parents.

Project Appleseed's Newsletter Appleseed Today.

A Certificate of Recognition.

Title I, Parental Involvement Certification

Regular e-mail updates on Project Appleseed and parental involvement best practices.

Sample letters for parent recruitment.

3. Staff Support Tools

Suggestions on How To Run A Successful Pledge Campaign.

Twenty-Six Ways to Reach Out to Parents.

Project Appleseed's Newsletter Appleseed Today.

A Certificate of Recognition.

Title I, Parental Involvement Certification

Regular e-mail updates on Project Appleseed and parental involvement best practices.

Sample letters for parent recruitment.

Tools In The Parental Involvement Toolbox

Tools In The Parental Involvement Toolbox

4. Training With PowerPoint Central

The Best Parental Involvement Training Resources In America are presented by the nation's leading researchers and leaders in the parental involvement.

The United States Department of Education has provided Project Appleseed with 30 PowerPoint .ppt presentations for distribution to our membership!

4. Training With PowerPoint Central

The Best Parental Involvement Training Resources In America are presented by the nation's leading researchers and leaders in the parental involvement.

The United States Department of Education has provided Project Appleseed with 30 PowerPoint .ppt presentations for distribution to our membership!

There are several ways to order:There are several ways to order:

Order on-line at projectappleseed.org click here.

Order by Email Now. Click here to email a request for an invoice. Send us your name, title, address, school, district and phone number. Indicate the number of schools and the number of years.

Purchase Orders - Click here and download an order form and mail to:

Project Appleseed / 520 Melville Avenue / St. Louis, Missouri, 63130-4506.

Secure Credit Card - Use your major credit card or debit card. Debit cards (also called check cards, ATM cards, or banking cards) are accepted if they bear the Visa or MasterCard logo. Click here and go to our secure donation site at the Network for Good. Once there you will create a password, enter your order as a 'Parental Involvement Toolbox', and enter the correct 'donation' amount for your school or district.

Order on-line at projectappleseed.org click here.

Order by Email Now. Click here to email a request for an invoice. Send us your name, title, address, school, district and phone number. Indicate the number of schools and the number of years.

Purchase Orders - Click here and download an order form and mail to:

Project Appleseed / 520 Melville Avenue / St. Louis, Missouri, 63130-4506.

Secure Credit Card - Use your major credit card or debit card. Debit cards (also called check cards, ATM cards, or banking cards) are accepted if they bear the Visa or MasterCard logo. Click here and go to our secure donation site at the Network for Good. Once there you will create a password, enter your order as a 'Parental Involvement Toolbox', and enter the correct 'donation' amount for your school or district.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Title I No Child Left Behind

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) Title I No Child Left Behind

"Principles: The overall goals of the ARRA are to stimulate the economy in the short term and invest in education and other essential public services to ensure the long-term economic health of our nation. The success of the education part of the ARRA will depend on the shared commitment and responsibility of students, parents, teachers, principals, superintendents, education boards, college presidents, state school chiefs, governors, local officials, and federal officials."

Under Title I, each school district is required to spend at least 1% of its Title I funds on programs for parents. Parents must be involved in decisions about how that money is to be spent. In fact, parents must jointly develop and approve the district and school's parent involvement policies which should spell out how this money is spent.

"Principles: The overall goals of the ARRA are to stimulate the economy in the short term and invest in education and other essential public services to ensure the long-term economic health of our nation. The success of the education part of the ARRA will depend on the shared commitment and responsibility of students, parents, teachers, principals, superintendents, education boards, college presidents, state school chiefs, governors, local officials, and federal officials."

Under Title I, each school district is required to spend at least 1% of its Title I funds on programs for parents. Parents must be involved in decisions about how that money is to be spent. In fact, parents must jointly develop and approve the district and school's parent involvement policies which should spell out how this money is spent.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and aTIFF (Uncompressed) decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Copyright 2008520 Melville Avenue / St. Louis, MO 63130-4506

Phone (615) 686-2195 / Fax (314) 725-2319headquarters@projectappleseed.org

A 501 (c) (3) Tax Exempt Organization

Source notes in print atwww.projectappleseed.org/ProjectAppleseed.pdf

Copyright 2008520 Melville Avenue / St. Louis, MO 63130-4506

Phone (615) 686-2195 / Fax (314) 725-2319headquarters@projectappleseed.org

A 501 (c) (3) Tax Exempt Organization

Source notes in print atwww.projectappleseed.org/ProjectAppleseed.pdf