A new study found that the “connection between family engagement and student outcomes was not a surprise, but the magnitude was striking: the effect size of family engagement on chronic absenteeism was larger than the effect size of poverty.” The findings suggest that when a school invests in building strong relationships with families, it may help mitigate the impact of poverty on student outcomes.
The Engagement Advantage: Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study on Family-School Partnerships also found a correlation between strong family engagement and higher attendance rates, English Language Arts, and math scores.
In Phase 2 of the study, authors Dr. Eyal Bergman and Dr. Zenzile Riddick took a closer look at the “Bright Spot” schools with strong family engagement practices. They identified these distinguishing factors:
- Mindsets: Families as Equal Partners | Educators and families emphasize a shared belief that they are on the same team and are equal partners in helping students succeed.
- Leadership: Clear Vision, Inspiration, Expectations, and Infrastructure | Leaders provide a cohesive vision for family engagement and inspire their staff by modeling its importance, communicating clear expectations, and creating accountability structures.
- Communication: One-on-One, Academically Focused, Unwavering | Schools emphasize proactive, consistent, and persistent communication with families in one-on-one interactions focused on academics.
- Relationships: Personal and Enduring | Schools show evidence of deep, personal connections with students and families that extend beyond the school building and the school year.
As you reflect on the past year and plan for the next one, how can you help your team shift their mindset to see families as partners? What expectations are you setting, and how are you putting structures in place – professional development, coaching, time during staff meetings to write positive notes home – to help your team achieve those goals? What might help staff build relationships with families?
June is a good time to plan ahead for staff trainings and systems to strengthen family engagement. Let us know how we can help you. Check out our training menu or reach out to Claudia at cplesa@aasb.org to schedule a training and coaching from the Alaska Family Engagement Center team.