176 Ways to Involve Parents

Betty Boult, EdD, is currently an educational consultant. She retired from the position of assistant superintendent of School District No. 43 (Coquitlam) in British Columbia in June 2000. She has served as director of instruction (curriculum), supervisor of staff development, principal, assistant principal, teacher-librarian, and classroom teacher. Her back ground experience ranges from primary to adult education in both Canada and the United States. In addition to these full-time positions, she has served as a provincial community education consultant, a guest lecturer for the University of Lethbridge, a sectional instructor for the University of Alberta, and instructor for Nova Southeastern University. She has done part-time consulting with an international consulting company. During the past fifteen years, she has been contracted to do workshops and seminars at the district, provincial, and international levels. In addition, she has appeared on educational television and published numerous articles. Currently Betty is in her eighth year as Superintendent/ Program Consultant of a British Columbia Offshore School just outside Shanghai. The student population is 1200 students (900 of the students are in Grades ten to twelve). She also is a lead auditor for the Ministry of Education in British Columbia and continues to consult for various jurisdictions throughout the province.

Preface Publisher's Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction 1. Making It Happen Starting the School Year Supporting the Whole Family Creating Safe Havens for Students Recruiting Volunteers Meeting the Needs of Volunteers Training Volunteers Developing Staff Placing and Supporting Volunteers Acknowledging Volunteers 2. Creating the Climate Projecting a Positive Image Marketing the Message Using Technology to Communicate Communicating Effectively Creating the Context for Change 3. Sustaining the Involvement Celebrating Diversity Using Community Resources Developing Community Relationships Promoting Learning Across the Curriculum Building Character Talking Person to Person Fundraising 4. Venturing Beyond the Bake Sale Establishing Connections Cross-Fertilizing Ideas Fostering Effective Advisory Councils Developing Parent Capacity District Initiatives: Setting the Example Resources References Index

"This very accessible book clearly identifies parents as their child's first and foremost teacher and an integral part of the complete school experience. Filled with practical, 'doable' activities and ideas, this resource will enhance the learning of students by involving parents in a respectful, meaningful, and productive way." -- Judy Chapman, District Principal, Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment "Boult has written the ultimate guide for helping school administrators and teachers create an effective partnership with parents. Any educational stakeholder (parent, teacher, administrator) will benefit from its content." -- Connie Brownell, Teacher "This is an essential guide for all stakeholders-school council members, teachers, school administrators, post-secondary education faculty members, and central office consultants. It identifies critical and essential strategies to initiate and, more importantly, sustain collaborative support by families in the education of our youth." -- Donna Smith, Adjunct Professor and Educational Consultant "176 Ways to Involve Parents is a welcome addition to my 'educator's tool chest.' I recommend it to all teachers and administrators." -- Christina Ross Daniels, Special Education/Behavior Modification Teacher "Since today's educators have more to do than time allows, the format of this book will allow them to pick up the book, skim topics they need to read about, and implement the ideas therein. The material includes many ideas educators may use as a springboard to specific needs in their school." -- Wanda Routier, Associate Lecturer "The insights in this book are gleaned from years of experience, observation, and research. Every chapter is filled with ideas to use and implement. Find a copy of the book, and try some of the ideas in your classroom." -- MSTA's Classnotes, Winter 2006 "Provides ideas for how to fully engage parents in the school community through parent volunteer programs, ongoing communication, participation in school governance, and other strategies." -- Learning Magazine, October 2006