Solutions
Family and Community Engagement
Stronger School–Family Partnerships. Better Student Outcomes.
A Practical, Partnership-Driven Approach
- Partner with districts to support the development of systemic school, family, and community partnerships aligned with their vision, mission, and stated goals.
- Develop a vision for family and community engagement that addresses the needs of the school, families, and community. Set achievable goals.
- Coach educators and staff. Strengthen the capacity for effective partnerships between schools and families.
- Identify ways for school staff to partner with families to provide students with additional academic support.
- Partner with families to enhance their ability to engage meaningfully with their schools.
- Build strong relationships with community allies, enhance the schools’ and districts’ cultural richness, and create a welcoming atmosphere for all stakeholders.
- Identify multiple ways to improve how departments and divisions interact with schools and communities.
Building Trust, Engagement, and Student Success
Improved academic success for students.
Positive relationships with families for welcoming and inclusive environments.
Support for students and families.
Positive relationships for teachers and families.
Expansion of the ways families support students academically.
Focus on addressing school and family communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Going from vision to action: How do we (as a school or district) go from aspirational family and community engagement to real partnership?
- Make the decision that family and community engagement are an important part of the school plan of action.
- Create a vision, a mission, and a plan of action that focus specifically on the goals you’re looking to achieve.
- Create a committee or team for family and community engagement with a cross section from stakeholders.
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What elements are essential to create and maintain strong partnerships between schools and their families?
- Clear vision and actionable goals.
- Definition of tasks, resources, and responsibilities around those goals.
- Communication using the TACT method: Thorough, Accurate, Clear, and Timely.
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What are the benefits to the students when schools and families have a supportive partnership?
- The student finds consistent academic and social-emotional support at home and in the classroom.
- Communication is essential to addressing students’ needs, aspirations, and opportunities.
- All people involved in the relationship (teachers, parents, students) feel more accountable to fulfill their part of the relationship.
Related Resources
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The Extracurricular Advantage
To create the most positive classroom environment possible, education leaders must consider not only what happens inside the classroom, but also everything that affects students throughout the day. Extracurricular experiences are an important ingredient in this recipe.
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What Does the Public Really Want?
Board members must separate fact from fiction when trying to figure out the real expectations their community has for the school district and from public education as a whole
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