Family Engagement Action Plan (FEAP)

Step 2 - Data Collection and Analy 1. The audience I will target for assessment is grandparents and caregivers who are actively involved in the education of their grandchildren or the children they care for. I chose this audience for my deliverable because their role in supporting students' learning is often significant, and their unique perspectives and needs should be considered in the context of family-school engagement. 2. To assess the engagement of grandparents and caregivers in schools, I will develop a tailored questionnaire specifically designed to capture their experiences and challenges. This questionnaire will be user-friendly and sensitive to the potential generational differences in technology use and communication preferences. 3. The questions on the questionnaire for grandparents and caregivers may include: - How frequently are you involved in school-related activities or events? - Do you feel comfortable communicating with your child's or grandchild's teachers? - Are there any barriers or challenges that prevent you from being more engaged in your child's education? - What types of support or resources would facilitate your involvement in school activities? 4. After administering the questionnaire, I anticipate identifying needs such as: - A need for improved communication channels and strategies that cater to the preferences and comfort levels of grandparents and caregivers. - A need for resources and information specifically tailored to the role of grandparents and caregivers in supporting students' learning. - A need for greater awareness and inclusion of grandparents and caregivers in school-related activities and decision-making processes. 5. Recognizing the need for greater engagement of grandparents and caregivers in schools aligns with family and community engagement efforts to enhance student learning. Grandparents and caregivers often provide valuable emotional and educational support to students and involving them in the school community can lead to improved student outcomes. By addressing their unique needs and perspectives, schools can foster a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, ultimately benefiting the students they care for. This alignment reinforces the idea that student success is a collaborative effort involving multiple generations within the family and the broader community. Step 3 - Developing SMART Goals Goal 1: Increase the attendance of grandparents and caregivers at school events by 20% within the next academic year, as identified in the needs assessment. Goal 2: Improve communication between teachers and grandparents/caregivers by implementing a dedicated communication platform, resulting in a 30% increase in engagement within six months. Goal 3: Establish a Grandparents/Caregivers Advisory Council within the next school year, comprising at least 10 active members who collaborate on school initiatives. Assessment of SMART Goals: Goal 1 Assessment: we will assess this goal by tracking attendance records at school events, comparing the attendance numbers over the next academic year to the baseline data from the previous year. Goal 2 Assessment: To assess this goal, we will collect data on the usage of the new communication platform, including the number of messages sent and responses received. We will compare this data before and after implementation to measure the increase in engagement. Goal 3 Assessment: We will assess this goal by monitoring the formation and participation of the Grandparents/Caregivers Advisory Council, ensuring it comprises at least 10 active members. Step 4 - Steps, Strategies, and Resources Goal 1: - Steps: Promote school events well in advance, send personalized invitations, and create a welcoming environment during events. - Strategies: Develop marketing materials, involve students in outreach efforts, and provide transportation support if necessary. - Resources: Marketing materials, event organizers, and budget for transportation support. - Actions: Create event calendars, design invitations, involve student ambassadors, and allocate funds for transportation. Goal 2: - Steps: Research and select a suitable communication platform, provide training to teachers, and encourage regular communication with grandparents/caregivers. - Strategies: Identify user-friendly platforms, offer professional development for teachers, and facilitate two-way communication. - Resources: Budget for platform subscription, professional development resources, and IT support. - Actions: Research communication platforms, provide training workshops, and monitor teacher communication efforts. Goal 3: - Steps: Identify interested grandparents/caregivers, convene meetings to establish the council, and outline roles and responsibilities. - Strategies: Publicize the opportunity, collaborate with community organizations, and set clear expectations. - Resources: Meeting space, promotional materials, and administrative support. - Actions: Advertise the council, conduct introductory meetings, and document roles and responsibilities. Step 5 - Evidence of Collaboration 1. Collaboration with Families/Caregivers: We will collaborate with families and caregivers by involving them in the planning and decision-making processes. This will include seeking their input on event planning, communication platform selection, and council formation. We will hold regular meetings and gather feedback to ensure their voices are heard throughout the project. 2. Respecting Beliefs and Norms: To respect families' beliefs, norms, and expectations, we will conduct surveys and interviews to understand their preferences. We will ensure that event planning considers cultural sensitivities and preferences. We will also provide options for communication in multiple languages and offer flexibility in meeting times and locations to accommodate diverse family needs, as discussed in our course readings (e.g., "Beyond the Bake Sale" by Anne T. Henderson and Karen L. Mapp).