Emerging Issues, A New Wave of Evidence, and Diversity: Set of Three School, Family, and Community Connections Publications

SEDL is offering the first three in a series of four research syntheses focusing on family and community connections with schools together at a discounted price.

The issues highlighted in Emerging Issues represent critical areas of work in family and community connections with schools where clarification, agreement, and further development are needed, as well as promising new directions that are emerging. It is based on a review of over 160 publications. 

A New Wave of Evidence examines the impact of different family and community connections on student achievement. Authors Anne Henderson and Karen Mapp reviewed more than 50 research studies published since 1995 to compile A New Wave of Evidence. The synthesis shows that for parent involvement to have an impact on achievement, schools must link parent activities to student learning goals and be respectful of difference among families.

Diversity: School, Family, & Community Connections focuses specifically on three categories: race or ethnicity, culture (including language), and socioeconomic status. The report also explores barriers to involvement for minority and low-income families, strategies that have been used to address those barriers, and recommendations that local educational leaders can adapt to address their specific needs. It is based on a review of over 64 studies.