Research Based Programs Offered By Alabama PIRC

The following services are available from the Alabama PIRC for schools in Alabama. With the exception of NNPS (which charges an annual membership fee) all services are free for Title I schools and schools in improvement in Alabama.

Family Friendly Walk Through (FFWT):

A Family Friendly Walk Through assists in identifying areas of strength, emerging practices and areas for improvement. Schools receive a final report that highlights the promising practices schools currently implement and provides research-based recommendations for removing existing barriers identified in the process. During a Family Friendly Walk Through, the following areas are assessed:

• · Customer Service.
• · School Environment.
• · School Website.
• · Community Partnerships.
• · School Documents.
• · School to Home Communication.
• · Parent, Teacher and Principal Surveys.

Academy for Parent Leadership Engagement (APLE):

The APLE is a yearlong leadership Academy for teams of parents and teachers. Participants receive intensive training and develop a leadership project to involve parents of student’s not meeting state standards at their own schools. APLE teaches participants how to:

• · Identify and overcome barriers to parent involvement.
• · Understand school report cards.
• · Use a team approach to solve problems.
• · Involve other parents.

National Network for Partnership Schools (NNPS): $200 for schools $300 for districts and organizations

NNPS invites schools, districts, states, and organizations to join together and use research-based approaches to organize and sustain excellent programs of family and community involvement that will increase student success in school. NNPS also guides district leaders to help their schools develop goal-oriented programs of family involvement and community connections, and to meet NCLB requirements for parent involvement.

Family Engagement University (FEU):

The Family Engagement University was created to help professionals, paraprofessionals and community leaders learn best practices in engaging families. The University consists of quarterly training sessions with information related to the research behind family engagement as well as specific strategies schools can use to engage more families. Participants who complete ten hours of training will receive a Family Engagement Specialist Certificate from APEC.

The Alabama PIRC also has a vast array of books and materials for families and schools related to family engagement and student success. Many of the tipsheets and bulletins we print are provided online as well. For more information on these and other PIRC materials contact the Alabama PIRC today. You can reach us at 334-567-2252 or visit our website at www.alabamaparentcenter.com