Family Engagement
Family Engagement is a school-family partnership that raises student achievement, improves school and community, and increases public support.
There is a difference, between family involvement and family engagement.
Family Engagement:
- Is NOT obvious
- Is Intentional
- Is Planned
- Is in collaboration
- Is reviewed
- Is outside the box
- Is different than involvement
Why is Family Engagement Important?
Parent involvement in children’s education has an impact on student success, not just in school but throughout life!
When families are involved, students:
- Earn higher grades
- Attend school more regularly
- Enjoy school more and behave better
- Are more likely to go on to postsecondary education or having successful careers
Watch Dr. Karen Mapp, an expert in family engagement, discuss Prerequisites of Effective Family and Community Engagement.
PTA’s National Standards for Family-School Partnerships
The National Standards for Family- School Partnership are a great place to begin.
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.
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.
School of Excellence
National PTA’s School of Excellence Program is a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall well-being for all students.
Consider reviewing the process for becoming a School of Excellence and apply today!
