Family and Community Engagement- Integral Part of School Improvement

Family and Community Engagement is essential.  It is important to involve the entire school in creating an environment that supports parents.  We can easily create a welcoming school atmosphere and plan activities throughout the year.  But it is more than that.  It is also about changing attitudes and beliefs.  The attitude and belief system encourages shared responsibility with both school and family.

 It is a collaborative partnership between all stakeholders.

All parents want the best for their children.  Parents and school staff should be equal partners in support their child’s learning.  In order to build this parentership, it rests primarily with the school.  Recognizing and investing in family engagement is key to closing the achievement gap and supporting the success of all students.

The number one reason why schools should invest in family and community engagement:

Research shows us that students whose families are involved in their learning earn better grades, and are more likely to graduate from high school.

The number two reason why schools should invest in family and community engagement:

Families and teachers both benefit from the collaboration and support.  We cannot do this alone. 

Integral Part of School Improvement

Did you know the PTA organization has National Standards for Family-School Partnerships?

Take a look.

Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community—Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.

A family friendly school strives to forge partnerships with ALL families, not just those that are most involved.

Standard 2: Communicating effectively—Families and school staff engage in regular, two-way, meaningful communication about student learning.

Standard 3: Supporting student success—Families and school staff continuously collaborate to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.

Standard 4: Speaking up for every child—Families are empowered to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.

Standard 5: Sharing power—Families and school staff are equal partners in decisions that affect children and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.

Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Families and school staff collaborate with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation.

Are you interested in downloading the Family and Community Engagment Checklist?  

Engaging families is key to improving student achievement in school.- McConnell


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Stephanie McConnell

I’m Stephanie, and I’m the face behind Principal Principles. I’m a former principal turned educational consultant, presenter, and edupreneur. I’m obsessed with giving school leaders the tools they need to lead a successful school.

One Response

  1. I love this! I recently took on the role of Family Engagement Coordinator for our school and would love to connect further!

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Hi, I'm Stephanie

Hello friend! Welcome to Principal Principles. I’m Stephanie, and I’m the face behind Principal Principles. I’m a former principal turned educational consultant, presenter, and edupreneur. I’m obsessed with giving school leaders the tools they need to lead a successful school.

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