Problem:
Write a noncritical response to the following discussion post:
Understanding the needs of students, parents, and the community
To gain a clearer picture of student, family, and community needs, I would begin by engaging in multiple forms of intentional listening. This would include informal conversations with teachers during the summer, structured listening sessions early in the school year, and classroom walk-through focused on instructional practices rather than evaluation. These steps help establish trust and provide insight into how instruction is actually unfolding (Leithwood, Harris, & Hopkins, 2020). Equally important would be engaging families and community members in ways that respect their realities. For migrant families who arrive mid-year, flexible meeting times, bilingual communication, and partnerships with community liaisons would be essential. Family surveys and small focus groups could help uncover barriers to involvement, such as work schedules, transportation, or unfamiliarity with state testing expectations. Research shows that when schools actively remove participation barriers, family engagement becomes more meaningful and impactful (Mapp & Bergman, 2021). Once this information is gathered, it should be used collaboratively. Rather than presenting staff with a top-down improvement plan, I would share findings transparently and invite teachers into the problem-solving process. Doing so helps shift the school culture from one of blame and frustration. Need Assignment Help?