This page contains professional development materials and presentations that support and enhance the engagement of parents and caregivers in the education of their children.
Evidence Based High School Graduation and Post-Secondary Readiness Practices
IMPACT partnered with the Pennsylvania Evidence Resource Center (ERC) to identify evidence based practices on dropout prevention, high school graduation and college and career readiness. The ERC based its recommendations on the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Practice Guides. Developed by a panel of subject-matter experts, the WWC guides combine evidence from dozens of studies and identify common themes to understand "what works" independent of any one program or product.
The ERC identified the following evidence-based practices which are foundational to the IMPACT Future Ready Family Toolkit activities:
- Monitor the progress of students, and proactively intervene for early signs of attendance, behavior, course performance, or engagement concerns – The A, B, C - Es
- Provide intensive, individualized support to students who have fallen off track and face significant challenges to school success or graduation
- Engage students with curricula and programs connecting schoolwork with college/career success
- Surround students with adults and peers who build and support their college and career aspirations
Evidence-Based Mathematics Practices
This report and accompanying PPT offer a selection of evidence-based strategies and recommendations for learning math. Information was compiled from the What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guides specifically for the multi-state family engagement consortium IMPACT.
Evidence-Based Language & Literacy Practices
This report and accompanying PPT offer a selection of evidence-based recommendations and implications centered on the topic of Language & Literacy Learning. Recommendations were curated from the What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guides specifically for the multi-state family engagement consortium IMPACT.
Navigating Decision Making for Teens, Youth and Parents
This joint session between the the former family engagement consortium, I2MPACT, and the out-of-school youth consortium iSOSY provides information and resources for teaching decision making. The materials developed by each group are appropriate for students from middle school to young adult ages. They focus on how the brain develops and provide steps for making better decisions by considering the options, consequences, and outcomes. The resources are designed to be used with students and their families.
The Middle School Learning Kit: Addressing Change During the Adolescent Years
This session provides an overview of the resources designed by the former family engagement consortium, I2MPACT, specifically for middle school age students and their parents/caregivers. The materials were designed to help families better understand and tackle the social, emotional, intellectual and physical changes that take place during those adolescent years. The training includes information on how brain development impacts these areas and addresses actions families can take to improve these areas if they are out of balance. This session provides educators with a variety of activities they can use with families.
Empowering Families to Build Community Connections
This video provides information on strategies and resources to empower families to access community resources and create community connections on their own. I2MPACT, a family engagement consortium running from 2020-2023, developed a community video series of four videos that help parents know the services different agencies provide and how those are important for student learning. Hear more about the Community Video Series and how you can use those videos with migratory families.
Working with Preschoolers: Understanding Developmental Milestones
The Working with Preschoolers: Understanding Developmental Milestones webinar is designed to increase service providers' awareness and understanding of the developmental milestones that occur between the ages of three and five. Additionally, the webinar explores ways in which culture can impact those milestones and implications for planning activities and instruction.
Engaging Migrant Preschoolers in STEM
The Engaging Migrant Preschoolers in STEM webinar focused on supporting students and families with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning. The presenter shared resources and strategies, including games and visuals, that support STEM-focused conversations and activities. (June 2020)
Positive Influences to Ease Trauma and Stress on Preschool-Age Children webinar
The Positive Influences to Ease Trauma and Stress on Preschool-Age Children webinar introduced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and positive influences that can mitigate the effects of trauma and stress on preschool-aged migratory students. Definitions, science, and a brief history of research and practices were discussed along with ideas about how to make a difference in a child’s life by being a positive influence.
Family Engagement Learning Series
The U.S. Department of Education recently released the External link Family Engagement Learning Series briefs! These briefs summarize a six-part webinar series of conversations designed to External link Raise the Bar for family engagement practices between school and home. The learning series produced by the U.S. Department of Education in partnership with Carnegie Corporation of New York and Overdeck Family Foundation, provided an overview of evidence, highlighted bright spots in the field, and shared resources and evidence-based strategies to support student success with education leaders and practitioners. We invite you to learn about how family engagement supports each of the areas of education highlighted in the learning series.
Download link Family Engagement to Support Student Success
Download link Family Engagement to Support Student Engagement and Attendance
Download link Family Engagement to Support Immigrant and Multilingual Families
Download link Family Engagement to Support Student Mental Health and Well-Being
Download link Family Engagement to Support Kindergarten Readiness and Early School Success
Download link Family Engagement to Support College and Career Pathway Success
Summer Service Resources for Migratory Preschoolers and Parents
The Summer Service Resources for Migratory Preschoolers and Parents webinar focused on resources that may be beneficial to support summer services for the migratory preschool students and their parents/caretakers. The Preschool Initiative (PI) Learning Kits and arts-integrated strategies are showcased along with other resources that utilize online books, videos, music, and text messaging.