Expert on Student Success Advises VT Educators and Parents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Contact: Irene Racz, VSAC director of public affairs, 802-542-2240)

Dr. Joyce Epstein, director of the Center on School, Family and Community Partnerships at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, urged Vermonters in an address March 30 to enhance collaborations that foster student success.

Epstein spoke to more than 160 parents, teachers, counselors, school administrators, and community members attending the second annual Parents, Educators, and Principals Conference, held this year at Vermont Technical College in Randolph.

An award-winning researcher, Epstein has identified six types of involvement that contribute to student success: parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making, and collaborating. She says it’s important to incorporate one or more of these types of involvement in every goal for student learning or behavior change.

Epstein’s work has led to proven results for students: higher grades and test scores, better attendance, improved home and school behavior, better social skills and adjustment to school, more classes passed and credits earned, increased enrollment in more challenging academic programs, and greater chance of graduating on time.

The conference was sponsored by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, the Vermont Principals’ Association, the Vermont Family Network, and the Vermont NEA. Organizers are hoping to bring Dr. Epstein back for next year’s conference.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 at 5:56 am and is filed under News & Views, VSAC News Releases. Both comments and pings are currently closed.