This course focuses on the importance of establishing effective home/school partnerships.  The benefits of establishing strong partnerships for families, students and teachers will be explored.  Students will analyze different models of partnerships and will evaluate and reflect upon the strengths and weaknesses of their ability to partner effectively with families.  Obstacles to developing strong partnerships will be explored, including working with families from diverse backgrounds.  Through analyzing case studies, students will gain new perspectives about how to interact effectively with families.  This course will give students concrete strategies to increase their ability to build and maintain effective relationships with parents that help parents and educators to feel empowered.  The content of this course aligns with The No Child Left Behind Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Required Text: Beyond the Bake Sale: The Essential Guide to Family-School Partnerships (The New Press, New York)  Henderson, Anne, Mapp, Karen, Johnson, Vivian & Davies, Don (2007).

Location: Online

Fitchburg State University - 3 graduate credits