Sharing Web Resources

Based on the FINE Newsletter, I found some information that is particularly relevant to my current professional development in that the role of parental involvement is an important factor in overall student success. The September 2012 issue of FINE Newsletter focuses on “Facilitating Continuous Family Involvement” (www.hfrp.org). With regards to politicians, economists, etc, the issue discusses how professionals within the field and community members can help parents become involved in school. I truly believe that parental collaboration with professionals and within the community can help relationships and overall student success. If a child feels welcomed and has parental support, they can build trust and confidence. Also, I feel that when everyone is on the same page when homework is assigned or lessons are implemented, it is easier to be involved and have awareness of the child’s strengths and likes and dislikes. Lastly, by having parental involvement, they can be a part of their child’s development and overall growth. “…families understand not only why their continued involvement is important, but also how they can remain effectively engaged as their children grow and develop” (www.hfrp.org). By reading further into the article, I noticed that communities involve themselves in creating transitional programs to help parents and children get ready for Kindergarten. “…such programs not only inform families about the kindergarten experience, but also act as a bridge to facilitate parents’ ongoing commitment to and involvement in their children’s growth and development” (Rosenberg, H. 2012). I feel that programs such as these are beneficial, but can raise controversy because of the funding. Without funding, there can’t be programs such as Transitional Kindergarten. I believe that new ways of thinking about funding such as with Transitional Kindergarten, can really benefit all children in the Early Years, but the controversy can be with funding for the programs. The newsletter brought up the issue about community leaders putting forth effort to fund the Transitional Kindergarten program, which clearly shows their upmost concern for a child’s early years in development. “…The brief includes recommendations for how other states and local programs can help facilitate family engagement during this pivotal time” (Patton, & Wang 2012). The community does work together to create the programs for families, and they provide vital resources for family involvement. Some insights that I gained from the FINE Newsletter are that there are dedicated professionals within the local, community, State, and Political level who are working towards the betterment of children and their families. With an economy that has poor funding for Special Programs for children, there are current programs such as Transitional Kindergarten and Head Start that are indeed working and prove to be positive influences in a child’s overall development. Also, programs such as these help bring society and families closer together through family involvement. References FINE Newsletter: The Family Involvement Network of Educators: Harvard Family Research Project: Harvard Graduate School of Education September 20, 2012. Volume 4, Issue 3. Retrieved September 29, 2012. from. (http://www.hfrp.org/family-involvement/fine- family-involvement-network-of-educators/fine-newsletter-archive/september-fine- newsletter-facilitating-continuous-family-engagement). Christine Patton, & Justina Wang (2012). Ready for Success: Creating Collaborative and Thoughtful Transitions into Kindergarten.(FINE) Newsletter Vol 4. Issue 3 Retrieved September 29, 2012 from. (http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/ready-for-success- creating-collaborative-and-thoughtful-transitions-into-kindergarten). Rosenberg, H. (2012). Creating Conditions for Effective and Ongoing Family Engagement. (FINE) Newsletter Vol 4. Issue 3. Retrieved September 29, 2012 from. (http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/creating- conditions-for-effective-and-ongoing-family-engagement).