Developing Family and Community Involvement Skills Through Case Studies and Field Experiences

Ideal for adding structure to early field experience, this practical new book offers a well-organized, flexible program that will help new teachers acquire the critical skills they need to establish effective, productive relationships with the families of their pupils and members of the community in which they teach. Straightforward, clearly written coverage includes a wide array of realistic case studies, field experiences, and issues for discussion that sensitively address the increasing diversity of family structures in American society. Case studies at the end of every chapter involve readers in realistic teacher/school vs. family/community challenges, and introduces them to various family structures, circumstances, and situations. Every chapter contains both school- and community- based activities for pre-service teachers. This compact, yet comprehensive treatment includes reflective ethnographic research strategies, and covers all of the major issues related to family/community involvement without unnecessary detail. For pre-service and in-service teachers of elementary school grade levels.