“Family and community engagement comprises parents (broadly defined to refer to a child’s or youth’s primary caregiver) and youth-service providers, school staff, and community members working together to actively support and improve the academic achievement, social and behavioral development, and health of children, adolescents, and young adults.” (youth.gov)
Video in Spanish describes SEL for a parent audience and provides strategies to bring SEL into the home, aligned with the 5 SEL competencies. Features schools in Chicago and includes interviews with parents and caregivers.
Packet describing benefits and strategies for school-family partnerships in developing social and emotional skills; includes handouts for families and overviews of SEL programs that incorporate activities for families.
Example template for a student/family/school agreement, for use during student-led conferences. Addresses support needed for growth in academics, perseverance, ownership, and critical thinking.
Handout for family members and caregivers to use at student-led conferences, with suggested questions to prompt students to share about their portfolio and a reflection to reinforce students and give feedback.
Tool for students to prepare to lead conferences with their parents and teachers, including a checklist and sample script for students to talk about their strengths, challenges, and work portfolio.
Nashville's handbook for student-led conferences describes in detail the role of students, teachers, families, and the school in making the conferences successful, student-centered, and useful.
Austin's communications plan uses a variety of approaches to reach internal and external stakeholders to grow awareness around SEL and strengthen it as a priority.
This 4 page booklet from Oakland describes the SEL vision and accomplishments in the district, and includes classroom discussion indicators for the 5 SEL competencies.
Samples of a bilingual newsletter distributed by the SEL department in Austin, including a school spotlight, featured SEL strategy, and family resources.
Presentation from Collaborative Communications Group for a workshop on building a district communication plan around SEL, using Austin and Nashville as case studies.
This strengths inventory will help a school-based SEL team determine which strategies are being used at all levels of schoolwide SEL: SEL curriculum & instruction, schoolwide practice & policies, and family & community-level partnerships.