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Module 5 - Session 6

ELEVATING FAMILY VOICE FOR EDUCATIONAL EQUITY

Family and Community Engagement Across Learning Environments

Module 5 - Session 6 Program Cover - Illustration of hand holding a megaphone

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

  1. What does it mean to establish equity in family engagement?

  2. 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:

  1. Become familiar with issues of equity in school-family relationships and the impacts on student learning.

  2. Develop an understanding of cultural reciprocity in school/community relationships.

  3. Consider ways to solicit input/share decision-making with families and caregivers across learning environments.

  4. 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.

video thumbnail of male caucasian teacher speaking

WORKBOOK
ACTIVITY

To activate your prior knowledge on the topic, please complete the following steps:

  • 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

Authentic Family Partnerships

Synopsis: Explore the importance of creating meaningful partnerships and two-way communication.  

Format: Video

Time: 6 minutes

Notes from the Backpack

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

  • Return to your copy of the Module 5 TALE Academy Workbook and complete Activity 5.6.2 – Equity Audit.

  • 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

Family Engagement

Topic: “Look-for”s and reflection prompts (and additional resources) to evaluate your engagement with families 

Format: Article

Time: 5 minutes 

 

Red Carpet Treatment

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

 

Implicit Bias

Topic: How biases and heuristics can influence our decision-making and behavior without us even knowing it 

Format: Video

Time: 5 minutes

WRAP-UP & NEXT STEPS

This session gave you information and resources on elevating family voice for educational equity across learning environments. In the next session of this module, you’ll explore family learning partnerships.

New York State Education Department Logo

The content of the TALE Academy was produced in whole or in part with funds from Contract C014452 and does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the New York State Education Department (NYSED), nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by NYSED. In addition, NYSED, its employees, officers, and agencies make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currency, or suitability of the content herein and disclaim any express or implied warranty as to the same.

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All original TALE Academy materials may be used by educators under the “fair use” rule of copyright law. Fair use is permitted for all original TALE Academy materials without a request of permission. However, full credit must be given to any materials adopted, adapted or used. All TALE Academy website materials provide a full list of citations for this purpose at the conclusion of the “READ” documents.

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