Reflective Practice: Perceived Expectations of Parental Involvement in Underserved and Under-resourced Communities and the Development of Viable Strategies and Partnerships

Abstract

This paper explores the concept of school and community partnerships and their impact on positive student outcomes. My primary focus as a reflective practitioner was to examine the role of parents in this school–community dynamic. School and community are not two separate entities but interwoven through the commitment and support of the children and families they serve. There is a need to identify strategies to assist and empower parents to become more effective learning partners. Friends of Bright Minds Community Prep (FBMCP) sought to address some of the concerns by developing a Parent Academic Coaching Empowerment (PACE) Curriculum; which utilized authentic and holistic approaches rooted in empirical research conducted by Dr. Joyce Epstein’s, involving the six types of parental involvement. It is incumbent for schools and communities (specifically through community-based organizations) to create viable partnerships with the goal of student achievement within the school setting. As a practicing scholar, there is an opportunity for ongoing inquiry, reflection, and discovery. Keywords: community-based organizations, parent advocacy, parental involvement, school–community partnerships, parent mentoring, parent coaching