Family engagement is a process that is both collaborative and strengths-based in which education professionals, families, and children build positive and goal-oriented relationships. In order for family engagement to be integrated throughout the education system, school officials and educators need to engage families and inform them that they are essential partners in the learning and development of their children. There are many resources available for family engagement. Read on to learn more about the top resources for family engagement, so that you can empower your community and school through education.
National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement
The National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement (NAFSCE) works to advance high-impact practices and policies for community, school, and family engagement that promote child development and improve overall student achievement. Additionally, the NAFSCE works to promote evidence-based policies and strive to engage all families, including English Language Learners (ELLs), to help in the educational development of their children.
The Latino Family Literacy Program
The Latino Family Literacy Project works to strengthen parental and family engagement both at school and at home. The Project offers professional develop in vocabulary development, family reading, and the overall language development of ELLs. This organization promotes academic achievement of kids grades K-12. The Project is a program of the national educational publisher, Lectura Books, which specializes in parent involvement and ELLs.
Edutopia
Edutopia is an educational foundation that focuses on effective practices and norms in education. The organization places an importance on parent engagement for students from all ethnic backgrounds, including ELLs. Additionally, the foundation provides resources for teachers and informs them on how they can best serve their students and themselves.
Education Week
Education Week (Ed Week) offers all the latest news regarding parental involvement for all students. The publication aims to forge better relationships and deeper connections between educators, parents, and students. Ed Week offers articles, commentaries, and special features that showcases some of the hottest education-related topics of the day.
America’s Promise Alliance
America’s Promise Alliance believes that every child should have the chance to succeed, and that every adult has the responsibility of making that happen. This organization is the largest cross-sector alliance between community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and government organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of our nation’s youth. The Alliance focuses on raising awareness about the importance of resources that aid educators, parents, and the community to assist children and youth succeed in school and within the community.
It is important to nurture positive relationships between school officials, staff, educators, families, and the community. The resources mention in this piece will help encourage family engagement that will build genuine relationships between all parties involved, which will ultimately help students achieve academic achievement and success.
