Learn With The Expert: Building Family Partnerships

Introduction

• Host: Mia, Training and Professional Development Specialist at Seesaw
• Expert Speaker: Dr. Karen Mapp, Family Engagement and Education Expert
• Purpose: Discussing the benefits of building family partnerships in education

Webinar Housekeeping

• Use Q&A tab for questions to ensure they are answered
• Session is recorded, links to resources shared post-session
• Introduction of participants and Mia as the host

Dr. Karen Mapp's Background

• Position: Senior Lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Focus: Research on family, community, and educator partnerships
• Publications: Author of several articles and books, latest book "Everyone Wins"

Key Points from Dr. Mapp

Importance of Family Partnerships

• Benefits students, educators, families, schools, districts, and communities
• Enhanced student outcomes: higher grades, better attendance, positive school attitude, higher self-esteem, and increased graduation rates
• Educators experience a shift in mindset, improved multicultural awareness, increased motivation, and better morale
• Families gain stronger relationships with children, better rapport with schools, and increased advocacy skills

Research Findings from "Everyone Wins"

• Compilation of research studies (2002-2021)
• High-impact practices identified, moving beyond ineffective practices

Framework for Successful Family Engagement

• Challenges: Lack of exposure to strong examples, deficit mindsets
• Essential Conditions:
  • Process Conditions: Relationship-building, linked to learning, asset-based, culturally responsive, collaborative, and interactive
  • Organizational Conditions: Systemic support from leadership

Relational Trust

• Developing trust involves listening, empathy, respect, and integrity
• Key element for effective partnerships

Impact on Schools and Communities

• Improved school morale, retention of teachers, better facilities, and curriculum
• Stronger community ties and reduced high-risk behaviors

Dual Capacity Framework

• Developed with U.S. Department of Education
• Emphasizes relationship-building and high-impact strategies

Practical Tips for Educators

• Building relationships as essential first step
• Use digital tools like Seesaw for communication, but prioritize relational trust

Questions and Answers

• Importance of building trust for effective communication
• Strategies for approaching leadership about family engagement
• Contextualizing engagement strategies based on specific school needs

Conclusion

• Encouragement to integrate relationship-building strategies in educational practice
• Resources and further reading suggested, including Dr. Mapp's book "Everyone Wins"