You have been asked by your administrator to develop a PowerPoint presentation and supporting paper, for the staff that will give concrete examples, suggestions and ideas to create a more inviting family-school climate at your site. Your principal understands your desire to make change at your school site and has shown you additional research stating that family involvement supports student success. In order for your staff to buy-in to this new paradigm they must have the background knowledge and specific examples to understand the necessity of change. Therefore your presentation and paper must include all of the following:
Information regarding the influence of families on children's school success
The importance of understanding that the family/parents are the expert regarding their child
Knowledge of possible family stressors and resources to share with families
A general understanding of culturally responsive teaching
An approach to link your school and family with your community
An understanding of how culture influences an educational setting and how to support these differences
The importance of becoming connected with students' families and one activity to support this relationship
How to use family-school problem solving with culturally diverse families
Background information regarding culture and disability