THE DALLES — In a continued effort to improve student success and well-being, North Wasco County School District (NWCSD) is undertaking a strategic initiative to assess and strengthen community and family engagement practices across its schools. The district has contracted with Public Consulting Group for a comprehensive assessment aimed at improving communication, parental involvement, and engagement with diverse community groups.
The initiative will not only create a framework for future engagement work, but also aligns the district’s broader goals under its strategic plan with Oregon Department of Education's (ODE) Integrated Guidance framework, a relatively new requirement for Oregon Schools. In both, the district has prioritized community engagement as a critical factor in student achievement, well-being, and attendance.
Key Components of the Assessment
The assessment will evaluate four key areas of community and family engagement:
1. Welcoming Practices: How effectively the district’s schools are involving families as learning partners.
2. Communication Systems: The effectiveness of current two-way communication practices between schools and families.
3. Information Systems: How well school systems are aligned to link families with student learning outcomes.
4. Parent Empowerment: The opportunities available for families and caregivers to collaborate with the district and take on leadership roles.
These evaluations have been taking place over the last month across all schools in the district, involving surveys, site walkthroughs, communication tool assessments, and discussions with staff, students, and families.
The data collected will lead to the development of a multi-level plan that will focus on engaging various aspects of the community using diverse tools and strategies. The final work will be informed by Dr. Karen Mapp’s research, a cornerstone of ODE’s Community Engagement Toolkit.
Addressing Critical Needs
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, NWCSD has faced challenges with student attendance, with only 58% of students attending school regularly (defined as attending 90% or more). Low attendance is linked to poor academic performance, as reflected in the district’s Grade 3 English Language Arts and 8th Grade Mathematics scores. NWCSD believes that better engagement with families can help reverse these trends by encouraging higher attendance and enhancing student academic performance.
Moreover, the district has experienced inconsistent attendance at school events, indicating a need for clearer data on what engagement strategies are working and where improvements are necessary.
The work was funded through ODE’s Intensive Program, which offers the district additional grant-in-aid, supplementing existing ODE funding like the Student Investment Account resources. The infusion of this funding enables the district to address critical needs as identified and approved by a Student Success Team, consisting of nearly 40 individuals, ranging from school staff and community partners, to parents and students. The assessment work is one of seven initiatives currently approved for funding.
“This is a unique opportunity to finally make meaningful progress in an area that has historically been underfunded, yet always at the top list when it comes to school success,” said Stephanie Bowen, director of communications and community engagement. “We believe this assessment will lead to more efficient, well-organized practices and ultimately lessen the burden on staff while better serving our community.”
Benefits and Alignment with District Goals
NWCSD’s commitment to building stronger relationships with families is part of a larger strategic goal to position the district’s schools as the heart of The Dalles community. North Wasco County School District #21 The district seeks to foster an environment where each cultural group feels welcomed and valued, and where trust and transparency are key. Numerous studies, including those by researchers like Sheldon and Jung (2018), show that family engagement boosts student achievement, attendance, and well-being.
By collaborating with PCG, NWCSD aims to align its practices with statewide goals under the Integrated Guidance Plan, which includes advancing equity, improving community engagement, and ensuring student well-being and success.
Next Steps and Success Indicators
Upon completion of the assessment, PCG will provide NWCSD with a comprehensive report. The district will use the findings to co-design a professional development plan and a community engagement strategy. The plan will outline specific actions aimed at improving attendance, academic performance, and family involvement in the district's activities.
"We are committed to making our schools a welcoming space for all families," said Bowen. "This assessment will help us build a stronger connection with the community and ensure that every family feels like a valued partner in their child's education."
Your feedback is welcome as part of this process. You may take part in the Community Engagement Survey by visiting the North Wasco County School District website, nwasco.edlioschool.com.
The results of this engagement assessment will also inform future strategies under NWCSD's Integrated Guidance Plan, to be submitted in Spring 2025.
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