Tools and Knowledge are Critical to Build Relationships MPS views families as equal partners in student achievement. Schools that struggle to foster partnerships with families will ultimately struggle with student achievement. That is why it is important that schools develop engagement strategies to build relationships with families. Examples of engagement strategies are: School Engagement Councils, parent coordinators and the District Advisory Council. Each school should use their knowledge of their unique families to identify engagement strategies that will help them develop relationships with the families they serve. https://dpi.wi.gov/news/dpi-connected/family-engagement-materials-available
Connections are Vital to Peer Relationships and Accessing Resources Schools must work together to help families build peer networks. Peer networks help families feel more connected to the schools their children attend. When families feel connected, this improves school culture and contributes to a more welcoming environment. Most importantly, peer networks enhance the school’s capability of working on issues that affect the school and helps to close the achievement gap. PCs can help parents develop peer networks. The Parent Center is set up to be a place for families to gather and connect. PCs create opportunities for families to contribute in active leadership roles or participate in Parent–Teacher Organizations (PTO) in the school. PCs ensure that families are engaged in regular social and community-building events at the school along with sharing options and ways for group volunteering.
Network – Families Have Skills and Knowledge to Support Virtual and In-Person Learning Raising a successful and high-achieving student is more challenging than ever. This is especially true in the age of Common Core, computerized assessments, and online platforms such as Infinite Campus and Class Dojo. Families who want to support their student learning may not always have the tools and knowledge needed to do so. Schools must work to ensure their families have the skills and knowledge to support their child’s success. Parent coordinators can help by becoming familiar with necessary curriculums and technologies. This way, the parent coordinators will be able to help parents navigate these systems when they seem to be having trouble.
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Community and Neighborhood Engagement Supports Teaching and Learning The City of Milwaukee has over 75 distinct communities and neighborhoods. MPS not only serves students and their families, but also the surrounding neighborhoods and communities. To educate our students, MPS must engage with the community in meaningful ways. This includes not only the local residents, but also businesses, places of worship, non-profit organizations and other key stakeholders. Each school must work to identify ways to leverage the unique resources of the surrounding community for school improvement.
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6 Parent Coordinator’s Playbook, 2021–22
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