A DVD created by Elon faculty members Brooke Barnett, Alexa Darby, Mary Knight-McKenna and Ken Calhoun has been accepted for distribution by First Light Video.
The 12-minute DVD, “Family-Teacher Partnerships in High Poverty Schools,” showcases interviews with family members and teachers who have established successful working relationships for the benefit of their students.
Family members speak for themselves explaining the importance of making positive connections between home and school. Teachers suggest a variety of strategies for reaching out to parents with demanding lives.
Research conducted by Knight-McKenna and found numerous challenges in preparing undergraduate teacher candidates to work effectively with the families of students in high poverty schools. In response to this need, Knight-McKenna and Darby devised a set of tools, including this DVD, to foster cultural competence among preservice teachers.
The DVD can now be purchased through TMW Media Group Inc., First Light Video, 2321 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, CA 90291.