Engaging Stakeholders - YouTube

Welcome to the Quality Schooling Framework—also called the QSF.

The California Department of Education developed the QSF to assist educators as they work to

ensure that the students in their schools are learning and thriving.

This video discusses ways to engage all members of the school community—that is, all stakeholders.

An ancient African proverb advises: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to

go far, go together.

Stakeholders play an important role in all school improvement activities, whether it

is developing a plan, monitoring progress, or celebrating accomplishments.

All of these activities will be most effective if done through collaboration of all stakeholder

groups.

A school’s most important stakeholders are the students themselves!

Other stakeholders include families and guardians; teachers; administrators; custodians; secretaries;

other school staff; business owners; religious leaders; social service providers; law enforcement

officers; and neighbors.

Each stakeholder group has unique insights resources and skills that contribute to a

school environment where students learn and thrive.

For example: Student insights help improve school culture and climate.

Parents and guardians support classroom learning at home and provide input to school policies

and procedures.

Neighborhood police officers promote safety and improve attendance.

Local health clinics partner with schools to keep students and their families healthy.

And, neighborhood businesses provide a real-world perspective as they participate in mentoring,

sponsor school activities, and offer internship opportunities for students.

Engaging families and the community at large can make a significant difference in improving

schools.

Research shows that families from all backgrounds value education and want their children to

do well in school and have a better life.

Often, they are just waiting for an invitation to participate.

What can schools do to more effectively engage stakeholders?

First, create a welcoming environment in the school.

When school staff greet visitors or answer telephones, they establish an important first

impression.

Teachers and administrators contribute to the positive environment when they promptly

return calls and respond to requests for meetings.

And schools appear more welcoming when they reach out to families and the community to

celebrate successes as well as to resolve problems.

Parent engagement is improved by providing frequent opportunities for two-way communication.

In addition to large–scale events such as back–to–school nights, offering principal’s

coffees and greeting parents during drop-off and pick-up times show that the community

is welcome at the school.

E-mail is often an effective way for teachers to connect with parents.

Some schools provide training for teachers and staff to conduct home visits.

School leaders can make an effort to learn about the cultures and languages spoken in

the community.

By acknowledging and welcoming diversity, a school can encourage participation by families

who might otherwise feel marginalized.

At major events, many schools provide translation for the major languages spoken in the community.

School leaders can reach out to community leaders to encourage others in their community

to become engaged in school activities.

Schools can remove barriers to family participation by providing transportation to school-based

events or by organizing activities at locations within the community.

They may also provide childcare and activities for children.

Building trusting relationships among stakeholders creates a strong foundation of shared responsibility

for improving school performance.

It is essential that a broad range of stakeholders be included in all stages of developing, implementing

and monitoring school improvement plans.

Meaningful participation by the school community requires careful preparation and clear communication.

Providing a clear explanation of the purpose or goals of each meeting, how decisions will

be made, and how the group’s input will be used in the decision–making process encourages

participation.

Discussions among stakeholders may be led by trained facilitators with the goal of ensuring

that all voices are heard.

Presentations or handout materials should be developed in easy-to-understand formats

and non-technical language.

Collaboration across the school community requires a willingness among all stakeholders

to work and learn as a team.

Schools and school districts can support this collaboration by offering appropriate training

to stakeholder groups.

The district might provide training to key individuals at each school on facilitating

discussions and communicating effectively with culturally diverse groups.

Educators might benefit from training on working collaboratively within the district or school

and with school stakeholders.

Teachers and administrators may need training on better understanding diverse cultures and

on reaching out to families.

School office and security staff may benefit from training as well.

Families may also need training to learn how to navigate the education system, support

their children at home, and communicate with educators.

Many schools provide these kinds of classes and resources through a parent resource center

on campus.

Parent and community engagement is an ongoing process rather than an occasional activity.

Although it does require time and effort by all stakeholder groups, the lasting result

of these partnerships is a strong school community that serves the needs of all students.

To find suggested practices for engaging various members of your school community, visit the

Family and Community, Culture and Climate, and Equity elements on the QSF website.

Additionally, the resources associated with this video include a discussion guide that

provides ideas for using this video with your school community.

Thank you for viewing this video on engaging all members of the school community.

We encourage you to use and share this resource within your school and district community

as you work to ensure that all your students learn and thrive.