Final Session

Tonight was our last Family Engagement Seminar.  Although our sessions went quickly I have learned a lot about what Family Engagement means to beginning teachers and how to share resources, facilitate conversations - and I think I've planted a couple of seeds with these teachers.  I am excited as a practitioner and colleague to see where they might go with some of their new knowledge.

It is now time for me to pull all the research together - and begin to write again...

Reflecting on Research

This will surprise many people in my life but I have thoroughly enjoyed the research phase of my dissertation.  I have learned a lot in these short months from a talented and motivated group of beginning teachers.  In retrospect and although not possible because of the dissertation protocol I wish I had of started with them last August.  My research would be far more rich and encompassing of the many tenets of family engagement.  These teachers have gotten a strong introduction to family engagement but I know as I wrap up our last session later this month they will not have gotten everything I'd planned.  With that I know what I will incorporate in BTSA next year and that is really exciting!

Readying for our Second Seminar...

I just sent out an email to the research participants asking them what is the one or two things they want to talk about or know about Monday.  We've only met once, but I sent them home with one resource and I'm hoping someone has tried out something and we can use their experience to delve deeper into family engagement.

I have pulled so many materials I think I could keep them there all night!