Table of Contents

Module 1: Why does Family Engagement Matter?

  • What is family engagement?
  • Why is family engagement important?
  • How do we build family engagement in schools?
  • What Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions are Necessary to Promote Family Engagement?

Module 2: What do families need to feel respected, honored, and valued?

  • What are Essential Core Beliefs for Family Engagement?
  • What is Culture and Why Does Culture Matter?
  • What are funds of knowledge?

Module 3: How do I communicate with families?

  • Four Basic Communication Strategies for Connecting with Families
  • Establishing Two-Way Communication and the Power of Positive Contacts
  • Strategies for Having Challenging Conversations
  • Tips for Providing Language Access and Working with Interpreters

Module 4: What does a meaningful evaluation and MDT involve?

  • The Multidisciplinary Team Process
  • Tips to Prepare Families for the MDT Process
  • General Strategies for Leading Effective MDT Meetings
  • Ways to Stay Connected with Families After the MDT Meeting

Module 5: What does a meaningful individualized education program (IEP) Process involve?

  • Tips for Preparing Families to be Active Partners in the Development on an IEP
  • Strategies for Leading Effective IEP Meetings with a Focus on Partnerships
  • Strategies for Leading Effective IEP Meetings with a Focus on Partnerships
  • Encouraging Self-Advocacy through Student-Led IEP Meetings
  • Practices for Shared Implementation and Progress Monitoring

Module 6: What Could Family Engagement Look Like in My Classroom and How Might I Advocate for Families? 

  • Wondering What Effective Family Engagement Could Look Like?
  • Getting Started with Family Engagement
  • Maintaining Family Engagement Throughout the Year
  • Advocating for Families
  • Module Scenario Activity