#FLedchat is a virtual meeting place using Twitter. Educators across the state of Florida come together on Wednesdays at 8pm EST to discuss the topics of the week.
A1) You know, I'm still looking for this. Feel like it's mentioned in the elementary school newsletter... not sure if our high school uses the same philosophy. #FLedChat
Paula from Ky. I donāt feel like thereās a definition either. Districts can try to define involve and engage but I think itās about how parents choose to be part of their kids education. #fledchat
A1b: I think it can happen from home, and doesn't require coming into school (although that helps). It can be as easy as being present and supporting your child's education. #FLedChat
First I change "parental involvement" to "family engagement." It's whether families feel invested in the school, not just the relative success of their own kids. It's not always something you see (such as physical presence). #FLedChat
A1: one of my job titles is āParent & Volunteer Coordinatorā... and even I donāt think we have anything set in stone. We have very high parental involvement and try to provide as many opportunities as possible. #FLedChat
Paula from Ky. I donāt feel like thereās a definition either. Districts can try to define involve and engage but I think itās about how parents choose to be part of their kids education. #fledchat
First I change "parental involvement" to "family engagement." It's whether families feel invested in the school, not just the relative success of their own kids. It's not always something you see (such as physical presence). #FLedChat
Yes, I remember parents apologizing up and down because they worked or had young children at home. Some even begged me to send home crafts for them to cut out because they wanted to show their support :). #FLedChat
Parent involvement ... not sure how it is defined, but I know when I call I want them to answer ... i don't necessarily need them in my classroom, but I want them to care about their kids academic success. Not be hands off. #FLedchat
Thanks. Unless there's neglect, families ALWAYS care about their kids. Some are intimidated by or disconnected from the school, and that's often (inaccurately) seen as indifferent. #FLedChat
First I change "parental involvement" to "family engagement." It's whether families feel invested in the school, not just the relative success of their own kids. It's not always something you see (such as physical presence). #FLedChat
A2: I send out a newsletter at least once a month and emails in between whenever an opportunity arises. We also have weekly parent workshop and daily parents in the library helping to shelve books. We are very blessed with our volunteers. #FLedChat
Parent involvement ... not sure how it is defined, but I know when I call I want them to answer ... i don't necessarily need them in my classroom, but I want them to care about their kids academic success. Not be hands off. #FLedchat
A2: Volunteer with reading or math practice, Media Center volunteer (shelving books, etc.). Mentor to other students. PTO and organizing fundraisers/events #FLedChat
It doesn't ... you're trying to read way to much into the tweet. It is possible to care about your child but not really care about their academic success ... many parents love their children but academics just is not a priority. #fledchat
A2) Take opportunities to meet your kids' teachers. Ask how you can help. Read communications. Attend PTO meetings now and then. If the school is sharing what they're doing, help share: online/social media and word of mouth--be a positive voice on behalf of the school. #FLedChat
A2 Itās easy in elementary but in MS itās harder to find your place. I went in to see the principal and just laid my cards on the table. I said, I donāt know what I want but I want involvement with the students.
The schools in our District are all different. Some have all the volunteers they could hope for and with others itās the same handful of people.#fledchat
I get that. i was asking how being hands off means they don't care about their academic success, either. What is the family's philosophy (or culture) about their level of involvement? Do teachers know what convos happen at home? Do academics=specific school involvement? #FLedChat
A3) Volunteer to lead something, or help with something, and make sure there's accountability with who's leading the effort. Make it a formal position. #FLedChat
Parents don't only have to be engaged with students at school. Where are some other places/activities where parents can support the community without being at school? #FLedChat
A3: Parents need to be in communication with each other to avoid misunderstandings. Ideally they would be actively participating in workshops organized by the school or the PTO #FLedChat
A3: My Mother-In-Law once helped create a Student Support program through her local church. She found tutors for the kids and made sure they were vetted so other parents didn't have to worry. #FLedChat
Schools should seize any & all opportunities to help parents better understand the possibilities w/ the technology in our schools. The biggest challenge w/ tech is generational- the āolderā generation (parents & teachers) being uncomfortable w/ the tech thats out there. #FLedChat
Funny, I was thinking of that tonight while my daughter was in ballet class. I'm part of the Nutcracker production this year and was enjoying watching the kids interacting in the hall but thought, how social can I be? I'm not their teacher; I don't know their parents. #FLedChat
I want to thank everyone for jumping into #FLedChat tonight. We will be back to this topic next month to continue talking about Parent Involvement/Engagement.
YES YES YES -- with a slight tweak that discomfort with tech isn't strictly generational. Plenty of closed-minded young people and innovative older ones. #FLedChat
Schools should seize any & all opportunities to help parents better understand the possibilities w/ the technology in our schools. The biggest challenge w/ tech is generational- the āolderā generation (parents & teachers) being uncomfortable w/ the tech thats out there. #FLedChat
