Bridges Leadership & Education Services: Empowering Black Family Engagement in Education
Bridges Leadership & Education Services (BLES) had the privilege of partnering with a large County Office of Education that was grappling with the challenge of improving Black family engagement. While the organization had a blueprint in place, it faced significant gaps: limited data on Black family engagement, unclear goals, and a lack of evidence-based practices. Additionally, tensions between the county office, local districts, and school personnel created friction, complicating efforts to align priorities and intentions.
Recognizing the need for a fresh approach, BLES designed and facilitated a transformative 6-week academy aimed at bridging these divides and building cohesive strategies for meaningful family engagement. The academy brought together diverse teams, including parents, school staff, assistant superintendents, coaches, and Black Student Union (BSU) leaders.
Key Outcomes:
Clearer Vision: Participants gained a clearer, shared vision for family engagement, with actionable insights to move forward.
Understanding Engagement vs. Involvement: The teams developed a deep understanding of the critical distinction between engagement and involvement, recognizing the importance of empowering families as true partners in the educational process.
Practical Strategies: Attendees learned practical strategies to increase family participation and deepen their engagement, ensuring that these efforts were sustainable and impactful.
Affirming Family Contributions: Emphasis was placed on affirming and valuing the work families were already doing, fostering a culture of respect and partnership.
Improved Team Dynamics: The academy also led to a marked reduction in tensions and negative dynamics within the teams. By focusing on safety, truth, and active learning, participants felt heard and supported, which allowed them to collaborate more effectively and with a shared commitment to positive outcomes.
Empowering a New Generation of Leaders: Through research-backed strategies and evidence-based practices, a new generation of leaders was empowered to take charge of family engagement efforts. These leaders are now equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to drive sustained change, ensuring that the work they do will be both informed by research and aligned with the needs of the community.
BLES’s approach was grounded in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment for all participants. Our methodology emphasized active learning and honest dialogue, ensuring that all voices were heard and valued. Through this process, the County Office of Education was able to develop a more coherent, data-driven, and collaborative approach to Black family engagement—one that not only built stronger relationships within the community but also set the stage for ongoing growth and meaningful change.
This partnership exemplifies the power of collaborative learning, intentional engagement, and inclusive leadership in creating a more supportive and effective educational environment for Black families, while also cultivating a new generation of leaders who are committed to sustaining and expanding these efforts in the future.
How can Bridges help you to leverage Black family and community partnerships to serve students?
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