2-153 - Crafting evidence-based logic models for family engagement in interventions for high-risk youth

Session Type: Conversation Roundtable

Integrative Statement

Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are at greater risk for low academic achievement, school day absences, and not completing high school (Duncan et al., 2010; Englund et al., 2008; Haveman, Wolfe, & Spaulding, 1991; Kearney & Levine, 2016). Interventions for at-risk students have demonstrated efficacy in improvements of academic and social-emotional outcomes, which require strategies fostering active participation, feelings of competence and motivation from children and their families (Boberiene, 2013; Durlak, et al., 2011; Garbacz et al., 2017 Shernoff, 2010). Family engagement in intervention services supports children’s positive growth and academic achievement in prekindergarten-12th grade samples (Garbacz et al., 2017). Despite demonstrated effectiveness of family engagement in schools, consistent barriers are noted (Baker et al., 2016; Christenson, 2004; Esler et al., 2008). This workshop will be moderated by Morica Hutchisno to discuss strategies for bolstering family engagement in school-based programs and lead particpants in developing a draft logic model for their own program development efforts. The discussion of potential strategies and strengths and weaknesses is informed by qualitative and quantitative outcomes from 2 school-based Connecticut efforts. First, a local initative of K-8th graders serving a high-risk, diverse sample (n = 210), and second, state-wide K-12th grade initiative addressing academic enrichment and family engagement in low-income schools (n = 7,741). Attendees will discuss lessons learned and suggested best practices for family engagement in school-based programs. This will lead to the core workshop activity, where each attendee will craft a logic model for parent engagement program component tailored to their community.

Sub Unit

• Prevention and Interventions

Moderator

• Morica Hutchison, The University of Connecticut

Panelists

• Beth Russell, University of Connecticut

• Donna Ferguson, The Village for Children and Families

• Jennifer Dealy, University of Connecticut

• Mackenzie Wink, University of Connecticut