This is the sixth of seven courses that lead to an ESL endorsement. This course explores the standards, principles, policies, and processes of school partnering with parents, families, and communities in fostering and sustaining the development of students. Particular attention is given to diversity of the school community and how to capitalize on this in meeting student needs. Educators learn how to organize and function in action teams to carry out partnership goals that view diversity as a strong resource in public school classrooms.

• Introduces the PTA National Standards for Partnering.
• Presents strategies for engaging parents in the education of their children.
• Deepens understanding of how teachers can support parents in the education process.
• Explores cross-cultural communication between families and schools.
• Examines the funds of knowledge that families and communities provide for learning.
• Teaches about specific school-based programs that connect schools, families, and communities to promote student learning.

Program Materials List

Items marked with an asterisk (*) must be purchased from the publishers.

Family, School, and Community Partnerships—Instructional Guide ($40)
*National Standards Handbook by National Parent-Teacher Association (1-800-733-6786) ($4.00)
*Funds of Knowledge by Gonzalez, Moll, and Amanti (Lawrence Erlbaum Associates 1-800-926-6579) (approximately $35)