Thanks to Renee Moore, I just learned about an upcoming six-week National Writing Project Webinar on family engagement.

Here are some excerpts from the announcement:

Teachers will engage, share, and reflect with other educators about ways to cultivate and enrich Family, School, and Community Partnerships that support student learning. This free, online exploration sponsored by the Red Clay Writing Project features YouTube videos, podcasts, and online discussions led by teacher researchers and JoBeth Allen, author of Creating Welcoming Schools and Literacy in the Welcoming Classroom . Topics include opportunities to

Analyze the effectiveness of current family engagement efforts
Partner with families to build on their funds of knowledge
Learn about Family Dialogue Journals
Extend partnerships with community based organizations
Explore and add to database of resources that support educators and families
Develop an action plan for your own teaching.

WHERE: This exploration takes place 100% online. Once the event begins, simply log on to the Family, School, and Community Partnerships Google+ space (URL coming soon) and you can watch the videos, listen to the podcasts, and participate in discussions from any location with a reliable Internet connection.

WHEN: Beginning September 18, 2013, for 6 weeks, participants will explore self-guided online tutorials (1-2 hrs) and engage in collaborative discussions facilitated by the online instructor. The first and last sessions will be live chats.