3. Sharing Power

Sharing Power with families means to EMPOWER parents, families, and minority cultural groups. There are many ways that teachers and schools can do that.... first think about the times that you have felt empowered. 1) We are informed 2) We have a choice, we can say yes or no 3) We have voice and we know our role

The diverse ethnic makeup of our schools is not accurately represented in PTA and other school organizations. These organizations are predominantly Caucasian families. This is due, in part, to the level of empowerment minorities feel in the educational system. It is the role of the school to make clear to ALL parents how they can contribute to their child's education by their involvement in the classroom and school. Sometimes this means doing more than sending out a group email, depending on their preferred methods of communication, language and cultural barriers, and availability of the parents/families.

The National Parent Involvement Standard 5—Sharing Power Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.

Goal 1: Strengthening the Family’s Voice in Shared Decision Making: Are all families full partners in making decisions that affect their children at school and in the community?
❖ Having a voice in all decisions that affect children
❖ Addressing equity issues
❖ Developing parent leadership Goal 2: Building Families’ Social and Political Connections: Do families have a strong, broad-based organization that offers regular opportunities to develop relationships and raise concerns with school leaders, public officials, and business and community leaders?
❖ Connecting families to local officials
❖ Developing an effective parent involvement organization that represents all families

Links and Websites

The ASD online STEP center is a resource list for parents and teachers to make referrals for support and information regarding, disability support services, autism, parenting education and support, mental illness, and locating nutritional and medical resources.

Articles 

The following link is a list of teacher dispositions that empower parents and families, entitled Ways to Engage the Reluctant Parent. How to Engage the Reluctant Parent - University of Minnesota, 4-H division

Originally published in 1977, now published on the web by Alaskool, David H. Getches details much of the history of federal and state legislation (especially in regards to Rural Native education.)
"Law and Alaska Native Education: The Influence of Federal and State Legislation upon Education of Rural Alaska Natives" - David H. Getches

Templates

The Power of Partnerships Family Survey is a 2 page, 21 question survey provided by the PTA where families can provide feedback about their level of empowerment within their school community. This is an assessment tool (it is used primarily by the PTA), but can be useful.

 Template to Recruit Family Volunteers Having sign-up sheets where parents can see them sends a clear message that they are wanted in the classroom.