The Role of Effective Family Engagement in Student Academic Success - Rooted2Thrive Ep. 54

Rooted2Thrive Podcast: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity The Role of Effective Family Engagement in Student Academic SuccessSeason 6, Episode 54 Host: Rochelle Peterson-AnsariOverview: In this episode, Rochelle Peterson-Ansari welcomes Quibila A. Divine to discuss why authentic family engagement is a cornerstone of student achievement. Divine shares her journey from North Philadelphia to becoming a leading education advocate, highlighting how the disconnect between schools and low-income communities often stems from a lack of relationship-building and cultural humility. The conversation moves beyond traditional "involvement" to explore co-creation, the importance of treating families as valued "customers" of the educational system, and the powerful impact of community-based support for kinship caregivers.Topics discussed:- The "Customer" Perspective in Education: Reframing students and families as school customers to foster professional accountability and respect.- Systemic Barriers and Training Gaps: Exploring why many educators lack the necessary training to effectively engage with diverse families and low-income communities.- Adult-to-Adult Communication: Addressing the unintended barrier created when educators view parents as former students rather than equal adult partners.- Community Advocacy and Space: The role of organizations like EARTHS in providing neutral, welcoming spaces for family workshops outside of intimidating school buildings.- Federal Policy and Title I Rights: Understanding the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) as a tool for families to demand equitable funding and engagement.Guest:Quibila Divine Founder and CEO of The Educational Advocates Reaching Today's Hardworking Students, Inc. (EARTHS)Website: www.earthsinc.org RESOURCES: A Family Guide to Title I Https://ospi.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/2023-08/parents-whatistitlei.pdf US Department of Education Title I. Part A : https://www.ed.gov/grants-and-programs/formula-grants/school-improvement-grants/title-i-part-improving-basic-programs-operated-local-educational-agencies#eligibility Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/laws-preschool-grade-12-education/every-student-succeeds-act-essa Check out more content and ways to connect with us:➡️ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perceptions/➡️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/perceptionsunlimited➡️ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perceptionsunlimited/➡️ Email: [email protected] ➡️ Website: www.perceptionsunltd.comPlease feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!Thank you for tuning into Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity!