Through the work of the West Virginia Family Engagement Center (WVFEC), 47 school leaders representing 16 schools across the state have joined together to connect, collaborate and examine leadership as it relates to family engagement. The L.I.F.E. program focuses on building leadership capacity, effective family engagement strategies, and connected supportive networks for strong leadership. The program kicked off with an in-person session in August, and took a deep dive into defining leadership, examining personal leadership styles, and reviewing the Dual Capacity framework.
In September, the program began meeting virtually twice monthly. The first Tuesday session focuses on evidence-based content around leadership in family engagement efforts. Topics of the sessions include building confident communities, change for resilient culture, intercultural competence, empowering others, and social emotional well-being.
The third Tuesday of the month, participants meet in seven grade-level pods to focus on applying and connecting the content learned to real-world application in each of their schools. The pod sessions provide participants with the opportunity to collaborate with other elementary, middle and high school leaders from across the state.
“The monthly meetings are very conducive to learning the monthly material, and identifying how to best use and apply in our schools. The facilitators help us to think outside of the box and really consider the why of what we are doing. It is really helpful to see that other schools have similar challenges, and to have time to work together to identify how we can use this information to best help our schools, students and families.”
-L.I.F.E. Program Participant
In February, the session focused on Change for a Resilient Culture: Change Mindset, and Organizational Culture. Following the content session, schools were asked to express whether their school is surviving or thriving post-pandemic. School leaders worked with educators, students and staff at their schools to create 5 minute videos highlighting their schools and how they are currently thriving. School teams were sent their favorite movie snacks prior to the pod session, and enjoyed them during the pod session watch party.
In March, the topic focused on Social Emotional Well-Being and Capacity Building. A panel of mental health professionals shared knowledge and answered participant-submitted questions around best ways to support students, families and staff. Panelists included Kara Bailes- CASA For Kids Supervisor and former Forensic Interviewer; Elizabeth Bragg, Nicholas County School Social Worker; Kelly Mordecki, WVDE Coordinator- School Mental Health, Student Support & Well-Being; and Marianna Linz, Chair- Department of Psychology, Marshall University. One participant expressed, “I can’t thank you enough for tonight’s session. I enjoy them all, but this was needed in a way I can’t even explain. I didn’t even know I needed it!".
The first Cohort of the L.I.F.E. program concludes in May, where the focus will be on Cultivating a 21st Century Leadership Plan, and Building a Vision for the Future.
The L.I.F.E. Program of the WVFEC is operated by The EdVenture Group, Inc., a national non-profit organization committed to creating customized solution to educational challenges.
For more information on The EdVenture Group, the L.I.F.E. Program, and the WVFEC, contact Kayla Benson, Program Manager, at kbenson@edvgroup.org.
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