Family and Community Engagement

3 credits

The purpose of this course is to introduce participants to theories, practices, and empirical research regarding family and community engagement in schools. The focus is on how school leaders--formal and informal--enact organizational models, educational programs, and political strategies that increase authentic relationships with parents and community members. Topics of study will include community schools/full service schools, parent involvement models, involvement of diverse families, grassroots organizing for community development, afterschool and community-based education, and school board-community relations. Direct participation in inquiry into school-community activities conducted on-site in schools and neighborhoods will be requirement of the course.