Taking an instructional approach towards behavior is critical when establishing supportive, consistent learning environments. However, while behavior specific praise is a powerful tool that helps to shape behavior in the classroom, viewing acknowledgement through a broader lens can truly transform classroom communities. Consider how simple and welcoming gestures can also serve as a supportive strategy… Read More Mindset Shifts: Expanding our View of Acknowledgement
National PTA Standards for Successful Family-School Partnerships
National PTA Standards for Successful Family-School Partnerships: In an effort to build and sustain positive family-school partnerships, the National PTA has developed six standards focused on ensuring that schools are welcoming, supportive, collaborative, and responsive to families’ needs. This resource outlines the six national school-family partnership standards and provides an implementation guide for each as… Read More National PTA Standards for Successful Family-School Partnerships
Formed Families Forward
Formed Families Forward is the family partner to the Virginia Tiered Systems of Supports project, an initiative of the Virginia Department of Education, and supports divisions and schools in their efforts to engage families and community partners. Formed Families Forward is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster, kinship, and adoptive families of children and… Read More Formed Families Forward
VCU Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) Lunch and Learn Series
VCU ACE Lunch and Learn Series provides weekly opportunities for families to participate in interactive sessions on a variety of topics related to supporting their children with ASD. Families can register to attend the one hour Zoom sessions or can view past sessions in the archives. Previous sessions have included topics such as Communication Strategies… Read More VCU Autism Center of Excellence (ACE) Lunch and Learn Series
November is Family Engagement in Schools Month
November is Family Engagement in Schools Month. Governor Ralph Northam has issued a proclamation outlining the importance of families as they help their children reach their full potential. He notes that “Family Involvement in Education Month is an opportunity to recognize the important relationship between families and education institutions and the work being done throughout the… Read More November is Family Engagement in Schools Month
Five Simple Ways to Engage Families
Create a Culture Create a culture where every family feels a sense of belonging to the school. Communicate what the student is learning and offer ongoing training to support families’ efforts to extend learning from school to home. Learning Heroes Roadmap offers parents a variety of ways to keep their child on track. Communicate Effectively… Read More Five Simple Ways to Engage Families
Helping Families Build Strong Foundations for Home Learning
School and home are two very different types of settings, both in physical structure and in function, but sometimes circumstances dictate we must merge the two. How can we help families build a strong foundation of systems that will support behavior and learning at home? We can start by looking at the systems we have in place… Read More Helping Families Build Strong Foundations for Home Learning