Statewide Initiative
On the Same Page is a summit and initiative to support systemic change in the New York State Educational System through strategic dialogue and action on family involvement as a catalyst for closing the achievement gap in Title I schools. EPIC – Every Person Influences Children, the New York State Parent Teacher Association, the New York State Parental Information & Resource Centers (PIRC) sponsored by EPIC and Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York State Department of Education (NYSDOE) are partners in this effort.
At last year’s summit, over 100 key New York State education and parent involvement leaders convened to examine family engagement as a key instructional strategy for closing the achievement gap, to assess the current environment, and to share opportunities for strategic advancement of optimal parental involvement. Action Teams were formed to address specific areas outlined by the Board of Regents Policy Statement on Improving Student Achievement through Parent and Family Partnerships, as well as the NYS Education Department Implementation Plan. Summit participants continue to contribute to their Action Teams pursuing positive outcomes in implementing the Regents Family Engagement Policy.
“On the Same Page Summit” Action Teams:Higher Education and Professional Certification Programs
-Higher Education and Professional Certification Programs
-Professional Staff Development Opportunities
-Family Engagement Assessment Tools
-Family Engagement Quality Indicators
-Engaging Diverse Families
-Community Engagement for Education
-Promoting Partnerships with Families of Children with Disabilities
The 2nd Annual “On the Same Page” Summit conference was held
on September 22 and 23, 2009 at the Marriott Hotel in Albany, New York.
To view pictures from the summit click here.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
The 3rd Annual “On the Same Page” Family Engagement Summit was held on September 22, 2010 in Albany, NY. A 4th summit is being planned for September 21, 2011 by invitation only in Albany, NY.
Family Engagement Definition:
First, family engagement is a shared responsibility in which schools and other community agencies and organizations are committed to reaching out to engage families in meaningful ways and in which families are committed to actively supporting their children’s learning and development.
Second, family engagement is continuous across a child’s life and entails enduring commitment but changing parent roles as children mature into young adulthood.
Third, effective family engagement cuts across and reinforces learning in the multiple settings where children learn- at home, in prekindergarten programs, in school, in after school programs, in faith-based institutions, and in the community.
This definition comes from Dr. Heather Weiss in a November article on the Harvard Family Research Project website. It is the most concise, broad based statement that supports our efforts at systemic change covering all Action Team goals. This expanded definition of family engagement, which has already been adopted by the Family, School, and Community National Working Group, reflects research showing that families play significant roles in supporting their children’s learning, in guiding their children successfully through a complex school system, and in strongly advocating for their children and for effective public schools.
Family Engagement Standards:
The “On the Same Page” initiative is supporting the National Standards, Goals and Indicators For Family-School Partnerships developed by the National Family Engagement Working Group and endorsed by the National PTA, click here to view the document.
For more information regarding what research says about closing the achievement gap click here.
Family Engagement in Children’s Education Month Proclamation 2010