How school leaders at Morris Jeff Community School effectively engaged families to support early literacy.
When school leaders understand the power of families to support learning and see an opportunity to leverage innovative technology, the results are hugely positive.
As an IB World School, Morris Jeff Community School provides a deep, rich curriculum that engages students in inquiry, develops strong critical thinking skills, and challenges students to a new level of learning. Nearly 1,500 students attend Morris Jeff Community School, with 76% of students from low-income backgrounds, 80% identifying as students of color, and a growing Spanish-speaking population.
School closures in 2020 prompted creative thinking around classroom instruction and extending learning beyond the classroom. School administration prioritized high-impact and authentic family engagement to support student learning. They brought in FASTalk to augment their existing programming to ensure families are equipped with regular insights into what their students are learning and how they can support at home.
As an IB World School, Morris Jeff Community School provides a deep, rich curriculum that engages students in inquiry, develops strong critical thinking skills, and challenges students to a new level of learning. Nearly 1,500 students attend Morris Jeff Community School, with 76% of students from low-income backgrounds, 80% identifying as students of color, and a growing Spanish-speaking population.
School closures in 2020 prompted creative thinking around classroom instruction and extending learning beyond the classroom. School administration prioritized high-impact and authentic family engagement to support student learning. They brought in FASTalk to augment their existing programming to ensure families are equipped with regular insights into what their students are learning and how they can support at home.
FASTalk enables school leaders and teachers to meet families where they are.
FASTalk is a learning-focused family engagement program that enables teachers to consistently equip families with tips and activities they need to support their child’s literacy development.
Morris Jeff Community School has implemented the FASTalk program since 2020. During the 23-24 school year, 409 PK-2 families receive weekly FASTalk Messages.
Morris Jeff Community School has implemented the FASTalk program since 2020. During the 23-24 school year, 409 PK-2 families receive weekly FASTalk Messages.
What families are sharing
What teachers are sayingMs. Madison, 1st grade Teacher, shares that “FASTalk has helped me engage with families in so many ways: as reminders for parents to review student work and tests, or fill out field trip slips, to more advanced individual reports about students’ glows and grows. FASTalk helps promote student success by engaging families in student learning. I see a huge progress in the students whose families respond to the messages and do the fun activities. Learning skills starts in the classroom but it takes a village to build lifelong learners that will be successful community members.”
What school leaders are sayingLisa Sirgo, Elementary Principal has shared that FASTalk is a "Great way to get families involved in literacy and share what is developmentally appropriate. It takes something off of teachers' plates to engage with families, especially for those who are hungry for activities to support students at home."
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Our work to support early literacy
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Teacher panel share insights & strategies for effective family engagementWhat are the best classroom strategies for student success? Get the inside scoop on FASTalk teachers' perspectives and experiences. They'll share why they prioritize engaging families, share tips for teachers that are looking to get started, and they'll highlight the importance of sharing learning-focused information.
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FASTalk has demonstrated impact in multiple district contextsFASTalk has demonstrated significant learning gains for students that started the year furthest behind their peers, especially for those students whose families don’t share a common language with the teacher. Feedback from families suggests that FASTalk provides them with the necessary information and activities to feel like they can support their child's learning.
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