1. How is the Chandler family operating as a system? What family system characteristics do you see in their situation?

2. Note the family engagement strategies that the children’s teachers and Kennedy Elementary School are implementing. According to Epstein’s model, what types of family engagement are present or absent? What strengths do you note about the teachers’ and school’s family engagement efforts? How could they be improved?

For more advanced study:

1. Thinking about the family systems characteristics that you noted in the Chandler family’s case, how might this change your family engagement practices as a teacher of one of the Chandler children? What are some specific strategies that you would implement as a teacher of one of the Chandler children, based on Family Systems Theory? How can applying Family Systems Theory to the families in your classroom help you become a better teacher?

2. Choose one of the theories presented in the chapter (Ecological, Family Empowerment, Social Capital, or Funds of Knowledge) and develop a list of strategies that you’d like to implement in your classroom that reflects the philosophy of that theory. Justify how your strategies are an application of the theory.