2. NAVIANCE SUMMER INSTITUTE 2014 | PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
The Parent Engagement Effect
Utilizing parent-centric tools and strategies to increase
effective use of Naviance by students.
L-Mani S. Viney, Natl. Guide
Right Chair, Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity, Inc.
Rodney Gore, Natl. Guide Right
Vice Chair, Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity, Inc.
7/17/2014
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The Parent Engagement Effect
Challenges We Face (Preparing students for college):
• Meeting deadlines for documents
(college applications, scholarships, etc)
• Responding to messages via email
• Responding to the last minute “crisis”
• Using Naviance
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The Parent Engagement Effect
Negative Impact:
• Poor/ unrealistic college choices
• College rejection
• Diminished Financial Aid package
• Poor preparation for 12th grade (underclassmen)
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The Parent Engagement Effect
Causes?
• Students no longer utilizing email as main method of
communication. (Texting)
• Short attention span to lengthy messages or tasks sent
online
• Lack of parent involvement
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The Parent Engagement Factor
What we know (Duh!):
Students across all socio economic classes are
more prepared for college when there is parental
involvement.
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The Parent Engagement Effect
The Kappa Alpha Psi Parent Engagement Initiative
Problem: Student usage of Naviance began to
decline as use of text, twitter and instagram
becomes more popular means of communication.
Solution: Shifted to a more “Parent-Centric” model
of using Naviance.
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The Parent Engagement Effect
The Parent-Centric Model:
#1. 80% of all communication directed at parents
regarding tasks for their children to complete in
Naviance.
#2. Focus on providing more parent based
resources and information as it pertains to college
and financial aid planning.
#3. Establish a parent resource website within the
Naviance pages
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The Parent Engagement Effect
#4. Weekly updates to parents on critical items for
completion to parents
#5. Development of parent “groups” within
Naviance
#6. Year-end surveys to parents to determine their
needs and how to increase effective use of
Naivance
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The Parent Engagement Effect
THE PARENT CENTRIC MODEL
School
communicates
informa1on
and
resources
to
parents
Parents
work
with
student
on
Naviance
ac1vi1es
Student
response
to
tasks,
ac1vi1es
and
deadlines
increase
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The Parent Engagement Effect
Email Example
Dear Parents and Leaguers
“On Saturday, January 18th at 11am we will be having a special
session for all JC Kappa League HS Seniors, Parents AND Returning
College Freshman on completing the 2014-2015 FAFSA form. We will
ask all parents to please come ready to take notes and ask questions.
Our goal is for everyone to have their FAFSA form completed by NEXT
Tuesday. ”
To start your FAFSA form: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
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Parent Engagement Effect
Suggestions:
#1. Convene a survey or meeting of parents,
students & counselors in 9-12 to discuss parent
needs and the most effective way of using
Naviance.
#2. Establish a “Parent Communications” team
responsible for developing a parent-centric
program for using Naviance and distributing
communications on a consistent basis.
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The Parent Engagement Effect
#3. Create a Parent-Centric resource website
within Naviance’s Family Connection site of all
items and materials for parents to access
#4. Develop a series of parent-student activities
using Naviance* (consider hosting events at school
or using social media platforms such as Ustream
or Spreecast)