Eight Ways Educators Can Engage Families and Communities
When families and communities are involved in a student’s education, the benefits for students include higher grades, better attendance, and improved behavior at home and at school, to name a few. Here are a few examples of how your school can engage families and communities.
1. Foster supportive home environments.
Assist parents and families and work with community organizations to foster parenting skills and help create home conditions that will support student academic achievement.
2. Promote shared decision making.
Include family and community members as partners in school decisions.
3. Expand family-school communication.
Promote effective two-way communication among educators, families, community members, and community organizations.
4. Coordinate resources and services.
Unite efforts and programs to provide services for families.
5. Foster volunteer support.
Organize and support family and community members in their efforts to support schools and students.
6. Support youth development.
Provide services for students, such as health and physical development, creative expression, and leadership development.
7. Support learning outside of school.
Involve families and community groups or organizations to support learning in a variety of settings outside the classroom.
8. Expand community development.
Involve the school in planning and decision making as one of the community’s major institutions and create opportunities for community support groups to use the school’s resources to help meet the needs of the students and their families.
Want more information on implementing these activities? Visit our free online resource Working Systemically in Action: Engaging Family & Community.
