Family & Community Engagement Flashcards

In Joyce Epstein's Framework of Six Types of Involvement, which type specifically refers to parents serving as volunteers and audiences at school?

Answer: Type 3 – Volunteering

Epstein's Type 3 (Volunteering) encompasses recruiting and organizing parent help and support at the school, in classrooms, or in other locations to support students and school goals.

In Epstein's framework, which type of family involvement focuses on families providing help with homework and goal-setting for learning at home?

Answer: Type 4 – Learning at Home

Epstein's Type 4 (Learning at Home) involves providing families with information, ideas, and opportunities to support their children with homework, curriculum-related activities, and goal-setting.

Which federal law requires schools to meaningfully involve parents in educational planning and placement decisions for students with disabilities?

Answer: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

IDEA explicitly mandates that parents be equal partners in the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process, including evaluation, eligibility determination, and placement decisions.

What does 'community asset mapping' involve in the context of school-family partnerships?

Answer: Identifying and cataloging community resources, organizations, and strengths that can support students

Community asset mapping identifies existing community strengths, resources, organizations, and individuals that schools can partner with to support student and family needs.

Which factor is MOST important when creating a welcoming school environment for diverse families?

Answer: Ensuring reception staff and physical spaces communicate inclusivity and respect for all backgrounds

The first impression families receive from front-office staff interactions and physical environment signals whether the school genuinely values and respects all families, especially those from marginalized communities.

Which practice BEST supports two-way communication between families and schools?

Answer: Establishing regular feedback mechanisms such as surveys, response cards, or conferences

Two-way communication requires both parties to send and receive information; feedback mechanisms like surveys, response cards, and conferences actively invite family input rather than only transmitting school information.

How should an Oregon educator respond when they become aware that a student's home environment may be significantly impacting the student's learning?

Answer: Document concerns and coordinate with school counselors and support staff while following mandatory reporting requirements

Oregon educators have professional and legal obligations to document concerns, collaborate with support staff, and follow mandatory reporting laws when student safety or well-being may be at risk.