How to Build an Equity-Focused Family Engagement System

The global pandemic has fundamentally rearranged the boundaries between home and school. Schools and districts have been forced to shift their collaborations with families from the “nice to do when we have time” category to the top of their list of concerns. Unfortunately, many schools are fundamentally ill-equipped to seize on the moment. Despite very good intentions, most educators have never been trained or been exposed to strong family engagement practices. Racial bias and deficit-based views of families are also at the root of the challenge. Together, these are potent headwinds. But they are not insurmountable.

In this session, we will hear from a panel of three principals that have led their schools through a deep commitment to family engagement. We will talk about early steps and lessons learned that helped them imagine a path toward more effective partnerships with families that led to meaningful changes for students.