Practice, Research, and Framework for Districts, Schools, and Educators
Why Parent Engagement?
- Higher academic achievement and engagement
- Lower dropout rate
- Increase in positive school culture
- Improvement in behaviors
- Less absenteeism
- Increased teacher job satisfaction
- Better social and emotional development of the student
- Higher odds of students attending post-secondary education
- More effective public relations and community engagement
There is a difference between Parent Engagement and Parent Involvement. Parent Engagement goes beyond the school bake sale, book fair, and volunteer work. It engages parents in effective and authentic decision making.
Best Practice
Language Access, Responsive and Respectful Interaction with Families, Parent Value, Content, Authentic Engagement and Contributions from Parents/Families, Building Trust
Current Articles, Publications and Practice
On the Same Team- Ari Gerzon-Kessler
The Case for Strong Family and Community Engagement in Schools, March 2023
How information lag could be impacting the parent-teacher partnership October. 2024
Dr. Rich Nye, "Elevating parental engagement in education" Sutherland Institute, 2024
Training
Online Training
Introduction to Family Engagement in Education-Harvard EdX
National PTA Family Engagement Solutions Series: Programs by subject are available with resources for various subjects like attendance, math, reading etc. and are rated by efficacy. Updated 2024
Existing Programs in the State of Utah with Training
Granite School District
FACE Department (Family and Community Engagement)-Granite School District
Hilsdale Trifold Compact Case Sample
Relationship Phone Call Script Sample
Other Training Resources
How to have difficult conversations with parents
Frameworks
Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships The overall standard. (Framework)
Carnegie Corporation of New York-Family Engagement (Framework)
Family and Community Education "FACE" Currently practiced in numerous Utah schools through required Special Education and Title I required engagement components as well as other applications. (Home Visits)
Family and Community Engagement Specialist-Center for Continuous School Improvement
(CCSI)
Parent Powered Pilot Program for Early Learning (launching)
Science of Reading-SB127 Community Engagement and Science of Reading Coordination Services
Title I Part A: School Improvement
Special Education Organizations and Partnerships (Indicator of Annual Performance Report)
Research
Parent and Family Involvement in Education 2023 See current information on involvement. Sempeles, Cui, McNamara (September, 2024) National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education
Improved Academic Achievement Students with involved parents are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores. Henderson, A. T., & Mapp,K.L.(2002). ANewWaveofEvidence:TheImpactofSchool,Family, and CommunityConnections onStudent Achievement. Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.
Impact of Family Involvement on Education-Van Voorhis, et al (Literacy)
Increased Student Attendance Schools with high levels of parent involvement have a lower absenteeism rate. Epstein, J. L., & Sheldon, S. B. (2002). Present and Accounted for: Improving Student Attendance Through Family and CommunityInvolvement. The Journal of Educational Research, 95(5), 308-318.
Enhanced Student Behavior Students whose parents are involved in their education exhibit better behavior in and out of school.
Higher Graduation Rates Schools with strong family engagement programs have higher graduation rates. National PTA. (2018). Why Family Engagement Matters for Student and School Success. National PTA.
Improved Social and Emotional Development Students with involved parents demonstrate improved social and emotional well-being
Increased Teacher Job Satisfaction leading to Teacher Retention Teachers in schools with active parent engagement report higher job satisfaction.-Henderson, A. T., & Mapp, K. L. (2002). ANewWaveofEvidence:TheImpactofSchool, Family, and CommunityConnections onStudent Achievement.
Positive School Culture Schools with engaged parents foster a positive school culture.
Improved Communication and Collaboration Regular communication between parents and teachers leads to better student outcomes.
Contact Information:
Cassie Hays, M. Ed.
Parent Liaison and Engagement Education Specialist
Utah State Board of Education
cassie.hays@schools.utah.gov
801-538-7845
Susie Estrada
School Improvement Program and Special Education Parent Specialist
Utah State Board of Education
susie.estrada@schools.utah.gov
385-295-7891