Schools and families : creating essential connections for learning / Sandra L. Christenson, Susan M. Sheridan.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Christenson, Sandra, 1946-

Contributor:

Sheridan, Susan M.

Series:

Guilford school practitioner series

The Guilford school practitioner series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Home and school--United States.

Home and school.

United States.

Education--Parent participation--United States.

Education.

Education--Parent participation.

Physical Description:

x, 246 pages ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

New York : Guilford Press, [2001]

Summary:

This practical volume is designed to help school practitioners and educators build stronger connections with families and enhance student achievement in grades K-12. The book describes how positive family -- school relationships can socialize and support children and adolescents as learners throughout their academic careers. Chapters feature case examples, self-reflective exercises, and discussion questions.

Contents:

Chapter 1 Family-School Relationships as a Protective Factor 7

The Role of Policy 9

The "What" and the "How" 11

Current Conditions 16

Critical Issues 24

Essential Process Variables 25

The Challenge 28

Chapter 2 Approach: The Framework for Interaction with Families 31

The Current Context 33

Theoretical Base for Family Involvement 38

Empirical Base for Family Involvement 48

A New Approach 66

Chapter 3 Attitudes: Values and Perceptions about Family Involvement 69

Attitudes as Principles 70

Attitudes Leading to "Barriers" 74

The Importance of Perspective Taking 77

Attitudes and Realities of Families 83

How Attitudes Are Conveyed through Assumptions and Practices 90

Chapter 4 Atmosphere: The Climate in Schools for Families and Educators 101

School Climate 102

Schools as Welcoming Communities 105

Correlates of Parent Involvement 107

The Importance of Trust 113

The Importance of Communication 116

Guidelines for Effective Communication 120

Listening as a Form of Communication 132

Chapter 5 Actions: Strategies for Building Shared Responsibility 138

Garnering Administrative Support 140

Acting as a Systems Advocate 143

Implementing Family-School Teams 149

Increasing Problem Solving across Home and School 163

Identifying and Managing Conflict 175

Supporting Families 181

Helping Teachers Improve Communication and Relationships with Parents 193

Appendix A. NASP Position Statement on Home-School Collaboration: Establishing Partnerships to Enhance Educational Outcomes 205

Appendix B. Checklist for Quality Indicators of the Six National Standards for Parent/Family Involvement 210

Appendix C. Selected Examples from the "Partner Up" Newsletter 215

Appendix D. A Teacher's Perspective on Communicating with Families 219

Appendix E. Inventory for Creating School-Family Connections 223.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 228-242) and index.

ISBN:

1572306548

OCLC:

45463509