The new research synthesis produced by SEDL’s National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools examines the impact of different family and community connections on student achievement.
Authors Anne Henderson and Karen Mapp reviewed more than 50 research studies published since 1995 to compile A New Wave of Evidence.
The synthesis shows that for parent involvement to have an impact on achievement, schools must link parent activities to student learning goals and be respectful of difference among families. Schools that succeed in engaging families from very diverse backgrounds:
* Focus on building trusting collaborative relationship among teachers, families, and community members * Recognize, respect, and address families’ needs, as well as their differences * Embrace a philosophy of partnership where power and responsibility are shared.
The skillful teacher of young children is one who makes….play possible and helps children keep getting better and better at it.
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