Schools/Programs: Communication

Resources are organized according to the order in which they are received.

Use the magnifying glass in the top right corner to search for specific tools using key words. 

Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies to Start the Year Off Right - By prioritizing communication with families at the start of the school year, educators can foster strong parent engagement, break down barriers, and provide support for all students. https://www.edutopia.org/article/teacher-parent-communication-strategies-start-year-right

Apps for Communication - This is a strategy to use apps that send messages directly to a parent, class, or group by text or email preference. Automatic translation into languages needed and available on any device.  

Provide Translators or Translated Documents – This strategy describes contacting local families and community members to assist in translation needs, use Google Translator or use translation services when funds are available. 

Arkansas Digital Sandbox - This resource has the technology to add closed-captioning to videos in most the frequently used languages. This tool is provided free of charge to every Arkansas educator by the Arkansas Department of Education. https://adesandbox.arkansas.gov/site/sandbox-login 

Communication Strategies- This resource will help teachers, schools, and districts improve their culturally responsive communication practices. https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/publications/critical-practices-for-antibias-education/family-and-community-engagement 

5 Benefits of Human-Designed thinking for Family Engagement - Human-centered design puts families at the center of individual and organizational practice. It is a process that is intentional about engaging families and including their voices. https://globalfrp.org/content/download/509/4350/file/GFRP_HCD4FE.pdf 

Parents Make a Difference Newsletters - Check out the newsletters available by month and by grade level for parents/families provided by the Wynne School District. Click Explore, Parents/Students, Parent Center, Information/Resources, and Newsletters/Parent Pointers. The newsletters are full of information for parents to help their children succeed academically at their convenience. https://www.wynneschools.org/o/wsd/page/information-resources 

Parental Involvement Tips on District Webpage - Strategies for parents/families to work with their children to improve students' academic success are provided on the Wynne School District webpage.  Click Explore, Parents/Students; Parent Center; Information/Resources, and Parent Involvement Tips. https://www.wynneschools.org/o/wsd/page/information-resources 

Family/Community Connection: Teachers take learning to neighborhoods during the summer - Read about how teachers from Theodore Jones Elementary School impact students during the summer.  https://www.swtimes.com/news/20180705/teachers-take-to-streets 

Communicating Across Language and Culture: How Do I Reach Out to Parents Who Are Immigrants? - This short paper developed by the Family Connections Project at Children’s Hospital Boston provides educators with useful tips for cross-cultural communication. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/reach-immigrant-parents.pdf 

Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators - Provides school administrators, teachers, staff, and concerned parents with basic information about working with traumatized children in the school system. A guide for parents on understanding child traumatic stress is included in the last pages of this resource. https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//child_trauma_toolkit_educators.pdf  Spanish Version: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//child_trauma_toolkit_educators_sp.pdf View full list of National Child Traumatic Stress Network resources here: https://www.nctsn.org/resources 

Community Engagement in the Digital Age (Presentation) - This information on good communication was presented by Mr. Joe Quinn at the Arkansas School Board Association annual meeting in 2018.  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DJGxwGIV9dhiOoGD29hMBBswZUmPftlp 

The Importance of Family Engagement in Supporting Emerging Bilingual Learners (Video) - Dual Language Learners are not isolated, siloed populations; they are present in every aspect of early childhood education and supports and need to stop being addressed as a special interest population and embedded into all aspects of quality early childhood education and supports. A first step in making this happen is to authentically engage families and incorporate their voice into early childhood systems. https://buildinitiative.org/resource-library/the-importance-of-family-engagement-in-supporting-emerging-bilingual-learners/

Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies to Start the Year Off Right - By prioritizing communication with families at the start of the school year, educators can foster strong parent engagement, break down barriers, and provide support for all students. https://www.edutopia.org/article/teacher-parent-communication-strategies-start-year-right

Research Matters: The Power of Parental Expectations - This article discusses research highlighting parents' expectations as the most important factor in student success, and the author suggests schools model respectful communication with families and support them in helping their children internalize high aspirations. http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept17/vol75/num01/The-Power-of-Parental-Expectations.aspx 

Parents 2017: Unleashing Their Power & Potential - This report describes the findings of a national survey of more than 1,400 K–8 public school parents and provides insights and suggestions to help schools better communicate with families and to provide parents with tools to support their children's development. https://r50gh2ss1ic2mww8s3uvjvq1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LH_ParentsReport2017_20170719_MasterScreen_SinglePages_AN.pdf 

What Can Be Done To Improve Parent-Teacher Communication? – “Light-touch" communication (quick texts, calls, or emails) establishing positive and proactive communication between school and home can make a big difference in students' outcomes. https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/42715/what-can-be-done-to-improve-parent-teacher-communication 

Arkansas Digital Sandbox - This resource has the technology to add closed-captioning to videos in most the frequently used languages. This tool is provided free of charge to every Arkansas educator by the Arkansas Department of Education. https://adesandbox.arkansas.gov/site/sandbox-login 

My Child/My Student Public Awareness Campaign - Provides monthly college and career readiness, as well as student safety, information and resources. Encourages positive and meaningful communication between parents and teachers. http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/communications/my-childmy-student 

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Strategies for Principals, Teachers, and Parents - Global Family Research Project views parent-teacher conferences in terms of the 5Rs: reach out, raise up, reinforce, relate, and reimagine. Applying these approaches can lead to innovative ways to partner with families to ensure that they receive the information they need to help their children, and that teachers understand their students’ strengths and needs. https://globalfrp.org/content/download/402/3731/file/GFRPTipSheet_ParentTeacherConference.pdf 

Strategies for Family Engagement: Attitudes and Practices - This document provides Early Childhood strategies for family engagement by focusing on strengths-based attitudes and relationship-based practices. Examples demonstrate what providers could do or say to integrate Strengths-based Attitudes and Relationship-based Practices into their interactions with families. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/strategies-family-engagement-attitudes-practices.pdf 

Communication Strategies- This resource will help teachers, schools, and districts improve their culturally responsive communication practices. https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/publications/critical-practices-for-antibias-education/family-and-community-engagement 

Community Engagement in the Digital Age (Presentation) - This information on good communication was presented by Mr. Joe Quinn at the Arkansas School Board Association annual meeting in 2018.  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DJGxwGIV9dhiOoGD29hMBBswZUmPftlp 

Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies to Start the Year Off Right - By prioritizing communication with families at the start of the school year, educators can foster strong parent engagement, break down barriers, and provide support for all students. https://www.edutopia.org/article/teacher-parent-communication-strategies-start-year-right

Apps for Communication - This is a strategy to use apps that send messages directly to a parent, class, or group by text or email preference. Automatic translation into languages needed and available on any device. 

A Day in the Life of an EL Student – Click on the link to watch a short video on a day in the life of a ten-year-old student who struggles to communicate in his new school with limited access to his native language. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6Y0HAjLKYI 

How Gaming Connects to SEL and Career Readiness - This article states, “Children are attracted to games, and educators (and parents) can be alert to using games as tools to build kids’ SEL skills, show how these skills matter in all kinds of jobs, and perhaps most importantly, help children better understand how to prepare themselves for success in life.” https://www.edutopia.org/blog/how-gaming-connects-sel-and-career-readiness-maurice-elias 

Report Card (video) A video explanation of how to view the district and school report card through My School Info as well as a written description of the A-F grading scale. http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/public-school-accountability/school-performance/report-card 

Graduation Rate- This resource provides an explanation of the graduation rate calculations for the ESSA School Index and a Non-Regulatory Guidance documentation from the U.S. Department of Education.http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/public-school-accountability/school-performance/graduation-rate 

Graduation Rate Files- An interactive way to view graduation rate files from 2010-present year. https://adesandbox.arkansas.gov/project?v=fMTc0ZjVhNzJiMDY0MDkzMGJjOWQzN2ZmNGRkYzkzMTI 

Communication Strategies- This resource will help teachers, schools, and districts improve their culturally responsive communication practices. https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/publications/critical-practices-for-antibias-education/family-and-community-engagement 

Teacher of the Year discusses Family Engagement vs Family Involvement (Video - Jessica Solano, 2017 Florida Teacher of the Year    https://youtu.be/1zILvq4YpyM 

Reward Schools- Resource detailing public schools that receive financial awards due to achieving high student performance, achieving high student academic growth, which includes high school graduation rates where applicable.http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/public-school-accountability/school-performance/reward-schools 

Standards and Systems Support Map of Specialists  - This map of Arkansas is divided by regions to inform districts and schools on the ADE Specialists who provide support within the assigned regions. http://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/public/userfiles/Public_School_Accountability/Standards_and_Systems_Support/MAP_OF_CO-OP_AREAS__SPECIALISTS_2020-21_082620.pdf 

Resource Roundup & Nutrition News - Regular publications from the Arkansas Department of Education Child Nutrition Unit with information about and for child nutrition professionals. http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/child-nutrition-unit/nutrition-news 

Dabbling in the Data: A Hands-on Guide to Participatory Data Analysis - This resource includes guidelines for 15 fun activities to help groups analyze and make meaning of data. http://www.publicprofit.net/Dabbling-In-The-Data 

Parents Make a Difference Newsletters - Check out the newsletters available by month and by grade level for parents/families provided by the Wynne School District. Click Explore, Parents/Students, Parent Center, Information/Resources, and Newsletters/Parent Pointers. The newsletters are full of information for parents to help their children succeed academically at their convenience. https://www.wynneschools.org/o/wsd/page/information-resources 

Parental Involvement Tips on District Webpage - Strategies for parents/families to work with their children to improve students' academic success are provided on the Wynne School District webpage.  Click Explore, Parents/Students; Parent Center; Information/Resources, and Parent Involvement Tips. https://www.wynneschools.org/o/wsd/page/information-resources 

Teacher Websites- The Valley View School District uses the same formatting for our teacher websites so that all parents can easily find the lesson plans, homework, upcoming tests, etc. The similar formatting makes it easier for parents to find this information. http://www.valleyviewschools.net/parentstudent/teacher-lesson-plans/valley-view-high-school-teacher-lesson-plans/ 

Getting Smart Podcast:  Unlocking what's new and innovative in education-  https://www.gettingsmart.com/2018/10/social-emotional-learning-in-the-home/ 

ADE Template and Guide for Parent and Family Engagement Planning - As the Arkansas Department of Education seeks to support stakeholders in developing effective Parent and Family Engagement Plans, sample templates and accompanying guides were developed to offer guidance for ensuring all State and Federal regulations were met. http://www.arkansased.gov/divisions/public-school-accountability/federal-programs/parent-and-family-engagement 

Community Engagement in the Digital Age (Presentation) - This information on good communication was presented by Mr. Joe Quinn at the Arkansas School Board Association annual meeting in 2018.  https://drive.google.com/open?id=1DJGxwGIV9dhiOoGD29hMBBswZUmPftlp 

Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies to Start the Year Off Right - By prioritizing communication with families at the start of the school year, educators can foster strong parent engagement, break down barriers, and provide support for all students. https://www.edutopia.org/article/teacher-parent-communication-strategies-start-year-right

Personally Invite Diverse Representatives to Meetings – This strategy describes creating opportunities for diverse members of the school or community by personally inviting them to meetings to ask questions and voice concerns about school programs, practices, etc. 

U.S. Department of Education Newcomer Toolkit - This tool kit can help U.S. educators and others who work directly with immigrant students and their families. It is designed to help elementary and secondary teachers, principals, and other school staff. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oela/newcomers-toolkit/ncomertoolkit.pdf 

Encouraging Academic Conversations With Talk Moves (Video) – Sentence starters that students use to join a class discussion encourage both academic thinking and social connectedness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=kSI4imt0dXg 

5 Benefits of Human-Designed thinking for Family Engagement - Human-centered design puts families at the center of individual and organizational practice. It is a process that is intentional about engaging families and including their voices. https://globalfrp.org/content/download/509/4350/file/GFRP_HCD4FE.pdf 

Developing Agency With Student-Led Conferences (Video) - When students lead meetings with their parents and teachers, they gain a voice in their education and develop skills like goal-setting and metacognition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ju0GlA7wE3w 

Dabbling in the Data: A Hands-on Guide to Participatory Data Analysis - This resource includes guidelines for 15 fun activities to help groups analyze and make meaning of data. http://www.publicprofit.net/Dabbling-In-The-Data 

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Strategies for Principals, Teachers, and Parents - Global Family Research Project views parent-teacher conferences in terms of the 5Rs: reach out, raise up, reinforce, relate, and reimagine. Applying these approaches can lead to innovative ways to partner with families to ensure that they receive the information they need to help their children, and that teachers understand their students’ strengths and needs. https://globalfrp.org/content/download/402/3731/file/GFRPTipSheet_ParentTeacherConference.pdf 

Engaging Families Across Language and Culture - Outlines goals, objectives and activities including handouts and evaluation for training session designed for early childhood/early elementary grade educators. This training topic provides an opportunity for participants to share their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for building relationships with families who come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workshops-families-across-language-culture.pdf 

Asociación para Acción Comunitaria- La Asociación para Acción Comunitaria ha trabajado para construir comunidades resistentes y saludables en el Valle del Sur de Albuquerque y en todo Nuevo México desde 1990.  La PCA se centra en cuestiones fundamentales para la comunidad tal como educación, economía sostenible, y derechos para los inmigrantes. Por medio de la concientización y al aprovecharnos de unas oportunidades de interceder, apoyamos a la gente y a sus familias para que se conviertan en líderes fuertes en sus vecindades y en el estado de Nuevo México. http://forcommunityaction.org/acerca-de-nosotros/mision-e-historia/?lang=es 

Partnership for Community Action - Community based organization in Albuquerque’s South Valley focuses on critical community issues like education, economic sustainability, wellness and immigrant rights. Through raising awareness and advocacy opportunities, the Partnership for Community Action supports people and families to become strong leaders in their neighborhoods. http://forcommunityaction.org/   

The Carnegie Foundation's Classification for Community Engagement - College and University Engagement Initiative (CUEI). CUEI contributes to the fields of community engagement and social innovation through collaboration with students, faculty, community partners, institutions of higher education and networks for community engagement and social innovation.  https://www.brown.edu/academics/college/swearer/programs/college-and-university-engagement-initiative-cuei 

Teacher-Parent Communication Strategies to Start the Year Off Right - By prioritizing communication with families at the start of the school year, educators can foster strong parent engagement, break down barriers, and provide support for all students. https://www.edutopia.org/article/teacher-parent-communication-strategies-start-year-right

Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center (ECLKC)  - Online resources for getting young children and their families ready for school and ready for life.  Click “Topics” on top right for the complete list. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/ 

Parents 2017: Unleashing Their Power & Potential - This report describes the findings of a national survey of more than 1,400 K–8 public school parents and provides insights and suggestions to help schools better communicate with families and to provide parents with tools to support their children's development. https://r50gh2ss1ic2mww8s3uvjvq1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/LH_ParentsReport2017_20170719_MasterScreen_SinglePages_AN.pdf 

Social Media Outlets - This strategy utilizes utilizing Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. to gain access to and share positive and productive ideas. Examples: #EngagementmattersAR , #TeachArkansas, http://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/divisions/educator%20effectiveness/stories-that-matter 

Reading Rockets - a website that helps parents know how to engage their children in developmentally appropriate learning at home.http://www.readingrockets.org/audience/parents 

Khan Academy -  Online tutorials in math for students who may need assistance with math concepts . https://www.khanacademy.org/ 

Parent Power Booklet - By adopting the principles in this booklet and taking the steps indicated for each age group, you will be able to help your child learn at each step of the way and ensure success in school and in life. https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/parentpower/booklet.pdf 

Poder de los padres - Al adoptar los principios y tomar las medidas señaladas para cada grupo etario, podrá ayudar a su hijo a aprender en cada paso del trayecto y así asegurar su éxito en la escuela y en la vida. https://www2.ed.gov/espanol/parents/academic/help/poder-de-los-padres.pdf 

Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators - Provides school administrators, teachers, staff, and concerned parents with basic information about working with traumatized children in the school system. A guide for parents on understanding child traumatic stress is included in the last pages of this resource. https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//child_trauma_toolkit_educators.pdf  Spanish Version: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//child_trauma_toolkit_educators_sp.pdf View full list of National Child Traumatic Stress Network resources here: https://www.nctsn.org/resources 

Formative Assessment Talking Points- Provides FAQs that will help teachers prepare for questions and discussion around the formative assessment process with families. http://buildinitiative.org/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/Resources/FamilyEngagement/SharedDecision%20FAQs%20Teachers-%20Final.pdf 

A Template for Conversations between Families and Teachers - Provides tips for families to discuss their child’s learning and developmental progress with teachers, as well as to plan for how to support their child in his or her developmental growth. http://buildinitiative.org/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/Resources/FamilyEngagement/SharedDecision%20Conversations%20-%20Families-Final.pdf 

Equity and Access for Families - Provides guidance to families regarding activities and resources that will assist them in supporting their child's development. http://buildinitiative.org/Portals/0/Uploads/Documents/Resources/FamilyEngagement/EquityAccess-Families-Construct-Final.pdf 

Developing Life Skills in Children: A Road Map for Communicating with Parents - To help educators understand how parents feel and talk about the development of these skills in their children, and the role they see for schools and after-school settings, Learning Heroes, a nonprofit organization that serves to inform and equip parents to be advocates for their children and partners in their education, conducted a series of 10 focus groups and a nationwide survey of more than 2,000 parents who have children in K-8 public schools.  https://r50gh2ss1ic2mww8s3uvjvq1-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DLS-Report-2018-for-distribution-single-pages.pdf 

Helping Kids Deal with the Stress of the Test - The graphic and steps identified help parents support their child in how to cope with test taking stress. https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/2018/01/25/helping-kids-deal-with-the-stress-of-the-test/