The CDC defines parent engagement as “parents and school staff working together to support and improve the learning, development, and health of children and adolescents.”
And though engagement seems like an abstract concept, there are concrete, tangible ways to identify healthy family engagement in your school and school district.
What does parent engagement look like?
Parent engagement does not refer to helicopter parents. As well-meaning as they can be, helicoptering tends to diminish the relationship between teachers, school leaders, and families.
Examples of Family Engagement and Involvement:
- Attendance at parent-teacher night, school sports, and fundraisers. (Involvement)
- A high number of family members participate in governing bodies, like the PTA or PTO. (Engagement)
- Parents volunteer to participate in classroom activities, help with after-school programs, and events. (Yes. Being a chaperone for the Christmas dance is a huge help!) (Engagement and Involvement)
- Families are communicative, participating in surveys, responding to teacher notes, and going to meetings called by the teacher and/or school. (Engagement)
- Parents and family members take an active role in their child’s learning – supporting them in their education, and reinforcing skills taught at school. (Engagement and Involvement)
What is the difference between family involvement and engagement?
Family involvement is personal – it’s the relationship a family has with their learner, their expectations, and the learning environment at home. Examples of parent involvement include reading together, helping with homework, and talking about school.
“Parents can make a big difference in their child’s education by being involved, asking questions, and supporting learning at home.” ~ National Education Association
Family engagement is when home and school come together. This looks like many things. It could be digital solutions for families who can’t come to school for events and/or meetings, providing access to meetings and online library resources. It might be an active PTA or PTO organization with families participating in governing decisions. Engagement is the family’s vested interest not only in their learner but the school, as well.
“Being involved with someone is far different from being engaged with someone. Engagement denotes a commitment for now and a promise for the future that goes beyond a more casual involvement in the present.” ~ AASA
Why is parent engagement important?
When families are involved with their children’s education and engaged with their schools, students have a better chance of success. The Harvard Graduate School of Education discusses the many benefits of family engagement:
- Student achievement is positively impacted.
- Children with diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds have a greater chance of succeeding.
- Students earn higher grades.
- Students are less likely to repeat a grade.
- Student attendance rates improve.
- Students with engaged families have demonstrated better work habits and discipline.
- Family involvement can better prepare students for college.
- Engagement can increase trust, which improves student achievement.
How do you measure family engagement?
CustomInsight for School’s FocalEDU Family Engagement survey can provide your school and/or district with feedback about key attitudes families have regarding their child’s learning, learning environment, well-being, school safety, bullying, and community. Based on the data, your school and/or district can take actions to engage families and improve educational outcomes.
Family engagement happens when parents stop being spectators in their child’s education. It’s when families become partners with the school. And the bottom line is this: Engaged families can lead to successful schools.
In the next post, we’ll look at the barriers to family engagement and outline practical steps schools can take to connect with families, strengthen relationships, and support student success.
