Creating Family–School Partnerships: From ‘Talking To’ Towards ‘Learning With’

Sandra presents a new model of family-school partnership, 'Pathways to Partnership,' that provides a template for teachers and school leaders to develop authentic and genuine partnerships that reflect contemporary global thinking and practice. She offers a new perspective on the family-school partnership and provides support and guidance to school leaders to move away from outdated approaches to more effective partnerships. Schools are becoming less an education center and more of a hub that integrates health and social services, and family involvement is now viewed as a strategically critical role. Pathways to Partnership helps leaders move from 'talking to' to 'learning with parents' and provides strategies for establishing contemporary partnerships that reflect current thinking and lead schools into authentic collaboration with their most important partners.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In today's rapidly changing world, schools are evolving from mere educational institutions to vibrant hubs that seamlessly integrate health and social services. This transformative shift has also brought about a significant change in the way schools perceive and engage with families. Family involvement is now recognized as a crucial component of education, rather than just a peripheral aspect. This shift has been driven by a multitude of factors, including the recent pandemic, which has highlighted the importance of community support and collaboration. Additionally, the global trend towards decentralization and democratization of decision-making power in schools has placed a strong emphasis on parent empowerment.

While this shift is promising, many schools still adhere to outdated approaches to family engagement, focusing solely on school-centered initiatives and neglecting the valuable contributions that families can make. To address this gap, Sandra presents a groundbreaking new model of family-school partnership called "Pathways to Partnership." In this comprehensive guide, Sandra offers a template for teachers and school leaders to develop authentic, genuine family-school partnerships that reflect contemporary global thinking and practice.

One of the key insights offered by Sandra is that family involvement should be viewed as a strategic imperative rather than a mere checkbox. She argues that schools can create powerful learning environments by actively engaging with families and building partnerships that are based on trust, respect, and collaboration. By adopting a modern engagement model, schools can move beyond traditional approaches that often fail to resonate with families and instead foster meaningful connections that benefit both students and their families.

To support school leaders in their journey towards effective family-school partnerships, Sandra provides a wealth of practical strategies and insights. Through the use of case studies and the voices of parents and teachers, she brings the content to life, making it relatable and actionable for educators. She offers practical tips and techniques for building strong relationships with families, communicating effectively, and collaborating with families to support student learning.

Moreover, Sandra recognizes that family-school partnerships are not one-size-fits-all and that different families may have unique needs and perspectives. She encourages school leaders to be flexible and adaptable in their approach, recognizing that every family is different and that collaboration requires a willingness to listen, learn, and adapt.

In conclusion, "Pathways to Partnership" is a groundbreaking resource that provides teachers and school leaders with the tools and strategies they need to establish contemporary partnerships with families. By embracing a modern engagement model and focusing on collaboration, trust, and respect, schools can create powerful learning environments that support the holistic development of their students. This book is a must-read for educators who are committed to building strong, inclusive, and supportive schools for all students.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032404127