SCHOOL, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

Transforming the Classroom and Challenging the Status Quo:  A Model for Critical Service-Learning in Secondary Schools

Amanda Hall (Assistant Director of Service Learning)-Virginia Commonwealth University, Michael Hasley (Social Studies Education Specialist), Maggie Nuckols (Student, Glen Allen High School) - Henrico County Public Schools

This presentation will highlight an innovative critical service-learning model for secondary schools that transforms the classroom and challenges the status quo by emphasizing critical service-learning, youth voice, integrative learning and 21st century skill development, and reciprocal partnerships.  

 

Communication, Empathy, and Trust: Partnering With the Families of Your Most Challenging Students

Kimberly McKnight, PhD (Residency Coordinator, Ettrick Teacher Residency) - VCU School of Education

Strong partnerships between parents and teachers have lead to positive student outcomes. However, when students have disruptive behaviors, it may lead to strained relationships between families and teachers (Sheridan & Kratochwill, 2007). So what can teachers do?  This presentation will discuss effective skills to engage families, based on existing literature. 

 

Bridging the Equity Gap: School Level Practice and Policy Toward Engagement of African American Students in AP

Andrew Armstrong (Executive Director of Business Operations) - Goochland County Public Schools

Despite the growing significance of AP in the secondary curriculum, enrollment and achievement gaps continue to persist, with African-American students being the most underrepresented group among AP exam takers (College Board, 2012, p. 20). A substantial body of descriptive research exists related to this gap, but relatively little research has been conducted to explore the behaviors, policies, and practices occurring at the school level with potential to affect the engagement of African-American students in AP coursework. This presentation will discuss the findings of a research study that attempts to identify school level factors that influence the engagement of African-American students in AP through secondary data analysis and focused interviews with students and school personnel.