As we begin to settle into a “new normal” as the COVID-19 pandemic ends, professionals across a wide range of disciplines have grown more acutely aware of the importance of and need for more meaningful and tailored family-school-community partnerships. These partnerships are essentialto connect the spaces and key players in students’ lives. Particularly for thosewho are marginalized because of nondominant identities, partnerships can create equitable and democratic spaces of solidarity and transformation. Members of our SIG are highly committed to studying and fostering partnership work that is strengths-based, capacity-building, and that embraces culturally responsive/sustaining practices. Whether they focus their attention on families of young children or families of older students, our SIG members consider untapped associations and the perceptions/needs of primary caregivers, students, community members, and professional stakeholders (e.g., educators, administrators, counselors, teacher educators) to optimize supports for all family units.
Across the fall and into this winter, the 2022-23 SIG #43 board launched and is continuing an FSCP Community of Practice, an initiative intended as a space to come together, network, share ideas, and initiate action. We have averaged about a dozen SIG members per meeting, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. If time permits, please consider joining us!
We look forward to the AERA Annual Convention in Chicago in April and virtually in May. We have an amazing team of reviewers, a great set of proposals, and stellar Program Chairs (Shana Rochester and Gloria Miller). The SIG #43 program is robust and inspiring, ranging from working with immigrant families to community schools to partnerships through challenging times. The program is here: https://tinyurl.com/2ctx7pl8. The SIG Business Meeting, unlike in years past, will be a lunchtime event—11:40-1:10 on Thursday, April 13th at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, Floor: Lobby Level, Avenue East. Please join us for the business meeting in person or virtually (link will be shared as the date approaches). We look forward to connecting with you there.
Warmly,
Judy Paulick and Nicole Edwards, SIG co-Chairs 2022-24