Implementation Description
IC Imagine strives to be connected and responsive to parents through effective two-way communication. The school continually seeks to improve how they provide information to families, while also being receptive to what families share in return. Clear communication ensures all stakeholders are working collaboratively towards the school's vision and mission in everything they do. Research shows “when schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more” (Henderson & Mapp, 2002).
IC Imagine had a PTO when the school first opened, but since its primary goal was fundraising, the school established a development committee in its place. In addition, the school’s leadership felt it was important to establish a Parent Advisory Council (PAC) to serve as a think tank for family and school communication. PACs have been proven effective in establishing effective two-way communication between home and school providing an avenue for parents to feel engaged with the school and involved in decision- making (CDC, 2012). In order to begin this process, school leadership intentionally selected a small diverse team of four parents, school administrators, and a board member to meet and establish parameters for this group, the IC Imagine Advisory Council Policy. It was absolutely critical the team included representation across all grade levels, from economically disadvantaged groups, and parents of special needs students. Each team member was personally invited with an explanation of how they could contribute to the team and why their contribution was critical to the team’s success. Within the team’s first five meetings, they established PAC policies and developed the IC Imagine Advisory Council Application which will be used to recruit additional members. The team will continue to grow, but will consist of no more than sixteen members including teachers, parents, administrators, students, a board member, and the Head of School.
Currently, team meetings range from informative meetings to share new school initiatives to open discussions based on families’ interests and needs. Because these parents are receiving accurate information and having their questions answered, they are able to act as advocates and share with other families. At a recent meeting, the school communicated their plan to transition to block scheduling, highlighting their reasons and the benefits for all students. Meeting times alternate between mornings before school and evenings in an effort to ensure that time does not become a barrier to participation. The PAC is currently working to develop a parent communication strategy that will ensure all families are able to participate and be heard.
Results
The founding group developed an application for recruiting additional members and created policies which clearly define the PAC’s purpose and membership parameters.
Although it is still early in the implementation process, school leadership is already noting positive communication as they effectively address parent questions, such as lifting COVID restrictions to reinstate parent visitors and field trips.
Challenges
The top challenge was carefully selecting and recruiting a diverse founding group of parents to ensure that the interests of all families were represented in the creation of the PAC founding documents.
Next, it was important to ensure that meetings took place at times which were conducive to the schedules of all the members.
Future Modifications
The ultimate reason for implementing the PAC is to create connectedness between the school and families. The team will make modifications as needed to ensure this goal is being met.
IC Image will continue to grow the PAC with an intentional focus on diversity. This will likely require strong encouragement from school leadership and PAC team members reaching out to parents with diverse perspectives who may not traditionally eagerly engage with their child(ren)’s school to ensure their voices are heard.
Critical Components
Getting Started
Intentional recruitment via personal invitation for the founding group is essential to ensure that all families are equitably represented.
Ongoing Supports
A continual focus on the diverse make-up of the PAC will be important to ensure the success of this initiative. Additionally, it is important to educate staff and PAC members to recognize barriers that may prevent underrepresented groups from fully engaging with the school.
Equity Connections
One frequently cited challenge for educating students of historically marginalized groups is a lack of trust which creates a barrier between school and parent communication (Brewster 2003). When Parent Advisory Committees intentionally seek out diverse members, they are fostering meaningful two way communication. Over time, when families feel heard and see their opinions are valued, they build trusting relationships, which in turn benefit students and their academic growth (Office of Family and Community Engagement, 2018).
Research
1. Brewster, C & Railsback, J. (2003). “Building Trust with Schools and Diverse Families: A Foundation for Lasting Partnerships”. Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Retrieved from https://www.adlit.org/topics/families-schools/building-trust-schools-and-diverse-families#obstacles-to-trust-barriers-to-strong-family-school-relationships
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Parent Engagement: Strategies for Involving Parents in School Health”. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2012
3. Henderson, A. T., & Mapp, K. L. (2002). “A new wave of evidence: The impact of school, family, and community connections on student achievement”. Austin, TX. National Center for Family & Community Connections with Schools
4. Office of Family and Community Engagement. The School District of Philadelphia. (2018). “Building Trust Between Schools and Families”. Philadelphia, PA. Accessed on June 5, 2022 https://www.philasd.org/face/2017/12/09/building-trust-between-schools-and-families/
5. United States Census Bureau, “Quick Facts North Carolina”, Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/NC/PST045219
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