ABSTRACT
Professional development offers educators valuable opportunities to gain knowledge and strategies for cultivating positive home-school connection. The Power of the Home-School Connection is a series of sessions for educators focusing on several aspects of developing a vibrant family literacy program. When delivered over the course of several sessions, teachers and staff hear the message a number of times, which can be more effective than a single session. Participants explore and expand their awareness of family literacy, various cultural differences, and related issues that must be addressed to benefit students. Professional development that encourages educators to learn about-and reflect on-the ethnic, racial, and cultural heritage of families can impact instruction for individual students and increase understanding of the varying family dynamics and literacy practices in contemporary homes. Participants discuss brief articles with information that pertains to their schools and brainstorm ways to formulate an effective plan of action that will strengthen the home-school connection.
