4 Versions of Family-School Partnerships
Check the boxes that have the most statements under them marked or circled. Check only 1 box in each row
Partnership School Open-Door School Come-if-We-Call School Fortress School
All families & communities have something great
to oferwe do whatever it takes to work closely
together to make sure every single student succeeds.
Parents can be involved at our school in many ways
were working hard to get an even bigger turnout for
our activities. When we ask the community to help,
people often respond.
Parents are welcome when we ask them, but theres
only so much they can ofer. The most important
thing they can do is help their kids at home. We know
where to get community help if we need it.
Parents belong at home, not at school. If students
dont do well, its because their families dont give
them enough support. Were already doing all we can.
Our school is an oasis in a troubled community. We
want to keep it that way.
* Building Relationships
Family center is always open, full of interesting materials to
borrow
Home visits are made to every new family
Activities honor families contributions
Building is open to community use & social services are
available to families
* Building Relationships
Teachers contact families once a year
Parent coordinator is available if families have questions or
need help
Ofce staf are friendly
Staf contact community agencies & organizations when
help is needed
* Building Relationships
Better-educated parents are more involved
Many immigrant parents dont have time to come or
contribute
Staf are very selective about who comes into the school
* Building Relationships
Families do not botherschool staf
Minority families dont value education
Parents need security clearance to come in
It is important to keep community infuences out of the
school
* Linking to Learning
All family activities connect to what students are learning
Parents & teachers look at student work & test results
together
Community groups ofer tutoring & homework programs at
the school
Students work goes home every week, with a scoring guide
* Linking to Learning
Teachers explain test scores if asked
Folders of student work go home occasionally
School holds curriculum nights 3 or 4 times a year
Staf let families know about out-of-school classes in the
community
* Linking to Learning
Parents are told what students will be learning at the fall
open house
Parents can call the ofce to get teacher-recorded messages
about homework
Workshops are ofered on parenting
* Linking to Learning
Curriculum & standards are considered too complex for
parents to understand
If parents want more information, they can ask for it
Were teachers, not social workers
* Addressing Diferences
Translators are readily available
Teachers use books & materials about families cultures
PTA/PTO includes all families
Local groups help staf reach families
* Addressing Diferences
Ofce staf will fnd a translator if parents ask in advance
Multicultural nights are held once a year
Minorityparents have their own group
* Addressing Diferences
We cant deal with 20 diferent languages
Parents can bring a translator with them
This school just isnt the same as it used to be
* Addressing Diferences
Those parents need to learn English
We teach about our countrythats what those parents
need to know
This neighborhood is going downhill
* Supporting Advocacy
There is a clear, open process for resolving problems
Teachers contact families each month to discuss student
progress
Student-led parent-teacher conferences are held 3 times a
year for 30 minutes
* Supporting Advocacy
Principal will meet with parents to discuss a problem
Regular progress reports go to parents, but test data can be
hard to understand
Parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year
* Supporting Advocacy
School calls families when children have problems
Families visit school on report card pick up day & can see a
teacher if they call frst
* Supporting Advocacy
Parents dont come to conferences
Problems are dealt with by the professional staf
Teachers dont feel safe with parents
* Sharing Power
Parents & teachers research issues such as prejudice & track-
ing
Parent group is focused on improving student achievement
Families are involved in all major decisions
Parents can use the schools phone, copier, fax, & computers
Staf work with local organizers to improve the school & the
neighborhood
* Sharing Power
Parents can raise issues at PTA/PTO meetings or see the
principal
Parent group sets its own agenda & raises money for the
school
Resource center for low-income families is housed in a
portable classroom next to the school
PTA/PTO ofcers can use the school ofce
A community representative sits on the school council
* Sharing Power
Principal sets agenda for parent meetings
PTA/PTO gets the schools message out
Parents are not experts in education
Community groups can address the school board if they
have concerns
* Sharing Power
Principal picks a small group of cooperative parentsto help
out
Families are afraid to complain. They might take it out on
my kid
Community groups should mind their own business; they
dont know about education.
from Beyond the Bake SaleThe Essential Guide to Family-School Partnerships (2007) by Henderson, Mapp, Johnson & Davies
