Module 15 Discussion: Engaging Families

Some ways to engage families include:

1. Invitations to school orientation nights

2. Sending surveys to families to poll for convenient meeting times or resources/programs families may suggest

3. Hosting adult EL programs or events

4.  Host student performance programs on multiple days or times of day

5. Hold volunteer sign-up for on-site assistance or take-out tasks to be completed off site

6. Invite families to participate in school contests and initiatives

7. Have all communications in multiple languages and media

8. Have on-site interpreters or staff for multiple languages

• What role did homework play?

Homework, however, does not play an exclusive part in family engagement. In my class, assignments open on Monday and are due at the end of the week. Parents have expressed appreciation for this method because it gives them and the student a chance to address questions many more times during the lesson week instead of feeling isolated and rushed for an assignment due the next day.