Powerful Student and Family Engagement

Key Practice 1

Students and families actively participate in the school community and are key partners in decision-making, shaping the school’s environment, priorities, and partnerships. Families’ lived wisdom and experience inform approaches to student success. As a result, schools become hubs providing opportunities for adults as well as young people. There are opportunities for deeper knowledge of children and greater alignment between home and school, build positive relationships and school climate, and improve student outcomes on many measures, including attendance, discipline, and academic achievement. The school gains important advocates, such as for deeper investments and partners, as families and community members understand and support strategic goals and see themselves as vital partners in schools’ success.