
Module 5 - Session 6
ELEVATING FAMILY VOICE FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY
Family and Community Engagement Across Learning Environments

GETTING STARTED
OVERVIEW
Welcome to TALE Academy Module 5: Family and Community Engagement Across Learning Environments!
Goal – The goal of this module is to help teachers expand their capacity for effectively engaging families and communities when teaching across learning environments (TALE).
Module Content – This module consists of 8 sessions on family and community engagement across learning environments. Each session contains a variety of content and learning activities.
Session Content – You are beginning Module 5 – Session 6: Elevating Family Voice for Educational Equity.
MODULE WORKBOOK
If you have not yet downloaded your personal copy of the TALE Academy Workbook for this module, do so now. See directions below. There is only one workbook for each module which contains activities for all sessions within that module.
Step 1: Create your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.
Throughout this session, you will complete the session activities and take notes in the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook. You will have many opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills you learn using your digital workbook. When you click on the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook link, you will be prompted to make a copy of the workbook. Once you do so, your notes and your work within your workbook will be visible only to you. Please note that the workbook is fillable using Google Slides. We do not recommend printing a copy due to the length of the workbook.
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Step 2: Get familiar with the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.
Now that you have your personal copy of the workbook, review pages 1-7 to learn about the workbook’s contents and tips for using the workbook. Don’t forget to add your name to page 1 to personalize your workbook!
Step 3: Review “Key Terms” for Session 6 in the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook.
Your last step is to review the key terms for Session 6. For every TALE Academy session, the key terms are listed at the start of each new session in the workbook. You can return to the key terms page(s) of your workbook throughout this session to add your notes.
GUIDING QUESTIONS & LEARNING OBJECTIVES
GUIDING QUESTIONS
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What does it mean to establish equity in family engagement?
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How can schools/educators include families in decision-making processes?
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this session, you will be able to do the following:
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Become familiar with issues of equity in school-family relationships and the impacts on student learning.
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Develop an understanding of cultural reciprocity in school/community relationships.
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Consider ways to solicit input/share decision-making with families and caregivers across learning environments.
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Develop strategies for meeting with families and making decisions about their students’ education.
ENGAGE: ACTIVATE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
LEARN FROM OTHERS:
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
The following video highlights the reflections of New York State educators on how they elevate family voice for educational equity in their own classrooms.
WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY
To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:
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In your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, complete Activity 5.6.1 – Reflect on Current Practice.
If you have not already created your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
EXPLORE: TOPIC OVERVIEW
READ, WATCH, LISTEN
Select from the learning modalities below to explore an overview of the topic for this session. You may read a magazine-style article, watch a video, or listen to a conversational podcast.
You need to select only one option: read, watch, or listen.
As you read, watch, or listen, consider pausing and reviewing the key terms for this session in your workbook. You can add your own notes, ideas for application, or definitions of the terms in your own words.

READ
Dive into our Module 5 – Session 6 READ, a magazine-style overview of the session topic with infographics and links to resources.

WATCH
Tune into our Module 5 – Session 6 WATCH, a narrated, animated video that provides an overview of the session topic.

LISTEN
Settle in for our Module 5 – Session 6 LISTEN, a conversational, podcast-style discussion among educators about the session topic.
EXPLORE: CHOICE BOARD
Select one option from the choices offered below to learn more.
You need to select only one of the choices, but you are welcome to explore all the resources!

Creating Culturally Responsive Parent Engagement – Principal Shares Strategies for Success
Synopsis: This article offers successful examples of culturally responsive parent engagement.
Format: Article
Time: 10 minutes
Five Rs for Promoting Positive Family Engagement
Synopsis: Learn strategies for building trust and promoting engagement in the early years.
Format: Article
Time: 10 minutes
Making Family and Community Engagement Part of the Process
Synopsis: This New York State Education Department resource provides strategies to increase connections with families and elevate family and community wisdom.
Format: Resource
Time: 10 minutes

Synopsis: Explore the importance of creating meaningful partnerships and two-way communication.
Format: Video
Time: 6 minutes

Synopsis: The National PTA’s Center for Family Engagement offers a podcast on family voice, hearing from experts, parents, and educators; choose an episode of interest to you.
Format: Podcast
Time: 20 – 28 minutes
ESTABLISH: REFLECTION FOR ACTION
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
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Return to your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 5.6.2 – Equity Audit.
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If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can make a copy by clicking here.
EXTEND: DEEPER LEARNING
Extend your learning by engaging in a longer workbook activity and/or accessing additional resources.
This section is designed to help you begin a journey into deeper learning on the topic area.
WORKBOOK ACTIVITY
Return to your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 5.6.3 – Strategies for Discussions/Decision-Making with Families. If you have not already made your personal copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook, you can do so by clicking here.
Time: 20 minutes
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
Topic: “Look-for”s and reflection prompts (and additional resources) to evaluate your engagement with families
Format: Article
Time: 5 minutes
Topic: A tool for implementing family-friendly walk-throughs; used to identify ways in which the school can create a more welcoming environment for families
Format: Article
Time: 6 minutes
8 Principles for Engaging and Centering Parent Voices
Topic: Eight principles for engaging parents as equal partners in setting and achieving goals
Format: Article
Time: 3 minutes
Critical Practices for Anti-Bias Education: Family and Community Engagement
Topic: Guidelines for handling school-family communication with respect and cultural sensitivity to live out the values of inclusiveness and equity
Format: Article
Time: 8 minutes
Essential Tech for Better Family-School Communication
Topic: A toolkit to help school communities understand the communication systems and options that build relationships and supports every child’s learning and development
Format: Toolkit
Time: Varies based on user selections
Topic: How biases and heuristics can influence our decision-making and behavior without us even knowing it
Format: Video
Time: 5 minutes