Family/Parent Engagement Frameworks

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1 Family involvement consistently boosts academic achievement.

A landmark meta-analysis of 52 studies found that students with involved families performed significantly better in school across all grade levels.
On average, these students earned higher grades and test scores, enrolled in more advanced programs, and were more likely to graduate. (Fan & Chen, 2001; Hill & Tyson, 2009; Jeynes, 2005)

2 Attendance improves when families are part of the equation.

Schools with strong family-school partnerships see measurable gains in attendance and reductions in chronic absenteeism.
Research from Johns Hopkins University found that consistent family engagement reduced chronic absenteeism by 10–15% in many districts. (Sheldon, 2007; Sheldon & Epstein, 2004, The Journal of Educational Research)

3 The type of engagement matters more than the amount.

Parents who set expectations, discuss learning goals, and maintain open communication about education have a greater impact on achievement than those who only volunteer or check homework.
“Academic socialization” — linking home conversations to future goals — produces the strongest academic gains. (Hill & Tyson, 2009, Developmental Psychology)

4 Family engagement narrows achievement gaps.

Studies show that active family participation reduces disparities linked to socioeconomic status and ethnicity.
In Jeynes’ meta-analysis of over 300,000 students, engaged parents correlated with .25 to .30 standard deviation higher performance — enough to shrink long-standing achievement gaps. (Jeynes, 2007, Urban Education)

5 It’s not just about academics — it changes behavior and confidence.

Engaged families foster stronger motivation, better classroom behavior, and greater self-efficacy in students.
Children feel more supported and accountable, leading to lasting positive habits that extend beyond school. (Henderson & Mapp, 2002,

Takeaway for Districts & Leaders

Family engagement isn’t a “nice to have” — it’s a data-proven growth strategy.

Schools that measure, cultivate, and sustain genuine partnerships with families consistently outperform those that don’t.

-Strategic investment in family engagement yields academic, attendance, and behavioral dividends.

-The research is clear that family partnerships multiply results and create equitable learning opportunities.

(References: Fan & Chen, 2001; Hill & Tyson, 2009; Jeynes, 2005, 2007; Sheldon, 2007; Henderson & Mapp, 2002)

Rvsd. 10/29/25