The School & the “I Care” Parent Engagement Character Curriculum Model
In the past, schools were considered institutions of learning. Today, schools have become a “home away from home” for many students, providing breakfast and before- and after-school care. As such, they've become responsible, not only for academic learning, but for the character development of their students. The “I Care” Parental Involvement Curriculum Model provides schools with the systems, strategies, and materials for meeting this responsibility.
Role of the School
- Administers the program
- Trains teachers, parents, and the community
- Make monthly character-building activities and parent feedback forms accessible to parents
- Teachers teach lessons related to the character traits; post and refer to the bulletin board messsages throughout the month
- Teachers communicate a positive (with no negatives) comment about their students to each parent monthly
- Provide training on the On-Line Data Management System to document parent involvement
Benefits to Schools
- Meets Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) parent engagement requirements
- Feedback Forms help teachers better understand families’ lifestyles and cultural background
- Provides opportunities for grade level, cross grade, and whole school events around the common character pillar of the month
- Improved school spirit
- Brings some parents into the school for the first time
