PaTTAN
Family Engagement
Resources
Supporting a child, with a disability, in their education takes a team approach. PaTTAN’s Family Engagement Team, and other staff, assist educators in building their capacity for family engagement and developing positive partnerships by sharing information resources, and strategies. The Family Engagement Team assists families in understanding the special education process, share information and resources, and work with state agencies who support families of students with disabilities. PaTTAN encourages partnerships among families, schools, and communities to foster success for all children.
PaTTAN has a Family Engagement Tab on the PaTTAN website with:
Plus, PaTTAN has resources ready for you to share with the families of your students. Check out the Family Information Tab on the PaTTAN website for the newest tools for you to use!
PaTTAN has resources available to support schools and families as they partner in building family engagement collaborations.
The Family Engagement (FE) tab of the PaTTAN website contains additional information around: Training Modules, Resources to Share with Families, Resource for Educators, the FE Newsletter Archives, Research and National Standards, and SPP Indicator 8.
The Family Information tab of the PaTTAN website houses additional information around: FAMILIES to the MAX, Upcoming Events, Resources for Families, Get Involved, The Special Education Process, and PA & National Organizations.
PaTTAN consultant, Dr. Nikole Hollins-Sims, shares how schools can effectively engage families and break down barriers for student success.
What Administrators Need to Know About Family Engagement
This two-part series for administrators will present a deep dive into Family Engagement from multiple perspectives. We will examine family engagement research, strategies, and best practices that can be implemented in a variety of different settings. Practical experiences from family members will be shared. Action steps for developing the capacity of schools and families to form meaningful and productive partnerships for improving student outcomes will be discussed.
Part 1
Part 2
Engaging families in the learning and development of children is crucial. We know the evidence suggests that children, no matter the income or background, tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more when we actively engage families. Pennsylvania has developed the Family Engagement Framework to help professionals in learning communities maximize their efforts. Sarah Holland joins PaTTANpod to present this topic.
The Mindset Challenge: Preparing Educators for Meaningful Family Engagement Practices
This professional learning opportunity focuses on developing capacity for effective home and school partnerships focused on student academic success. This presentation will help educators and families make a mindset transition from parent involvement to family engagement. Our PD offers an inclusive and dynamic learning space for educators to learn and discuss research and best practices, it also provides practical information, tools and strategies needed for application in the field. The aim of this day of learning is to support systems change and reorganization of school family engagement efforts to connect specific student learning goals with family supported learning.
It Can Be Done: Creating a Dynamic Parent/Professional Partnership
This interactive workshop will explore the dynamics that can affect the relationship between a family and the professionals who serve them. We will discuss how education, culture, family interactions (ex. siblings) have an impact on both parents and professionals as they strive to provide the best care for the child with special needs. Strategies for positive collaboration will be developed.
Partners in Secondary Transition: What Families Need to Know
Family member support is integral to a youth transitioning from high school to adult life. Matters such as customized employment, entitlement vs eligibility, and exploring the option of a two or four year college, are just a few of the topics that may be explored during the transition process. During this webinar, PaTTAN consultants will introduce available resources such as the Family 1-Pager Guides and Planning for the Future Checklist to LEAs and discuss strategies for sharing them with parents and family members in supporting youth in preparing for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living.
Strengthening Partnerships Through Two Way Communication
Effective two-way communication with families is essential for strong family-school partnerships. During this webinar, members of an LEA along with PaTTAN educational consultants will share practices and strategies they have found successful in sharing information, setting realistic goals for students, and ensuring families are well-informed, actively engaged partners in education.
Talking to LEAs About Communicating Effectively
Families and school staff must engage in regular, two-way, meaningful communication to foster positive, collaborative partnerships between home and school. Effective communication can lead to increased student academic achievement and build positive social experiences. This webinar focuses on the communication skills at one school, as a school leader presents the efforts and outcomes of developing positive communication systems with families.