Family engagement is a critical strategy for improving a student’s academic performance but is often misunderstood in policy implementation, argues new research.
Challenges such as language barriers, transportation, childcare constraints and conflicting work schedules often keep schools from managing a strong, engaged relationship with families, according to a report from NWEA, a K12 assessment and research organization.
However, there are several strategies leaders can incorporate to mitigate this issue. Here are five ways you can increase collaboration in your district.
5 ways to boost family engagement
Transparent communication
Administrators should start by improving their communication practices. Providing families with clear, actionable information on their child’s academic progress is a critical step toward academic recovery.
Leaders must also acknowledge the post-pandemic grade inflation to give families a more accurate reflection of their child’s academic performance.
Address the “do no harm” approach to grading
This approach became common practice during the pandemic, the report argues. This includes pass-fail grading or freezing grades before transitions to online learning.
The researchers write that this strategy created a disconnect between student letter grades and other measures like standardized test scores.
“This disconnect could explain, in part, why families underestimate the value of post-COVID academic supports that test scores indicate are necessary,” the report reads.
For example, a study from Washington state underscores several disparities suggesting a rise in grade inflation before and after the pandemic, including cases where students are receiving high grades despite test results indicating they are not meeting grade-level expectations.
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Rely on actionable information
Families want schools to share clear plans for intervention when students have fallen behind grade-level expectations, according to a recent EdTrust survey. Other research confirms the importance of assessment-driven communication with families, NWEA noted.
A 2024 study found that providing feedback to ninth-graders based on formative assessments significantly improved their performance on end-of-year tests.
Carefully frame assessment data
Finally, encourage educators to communicate with families thoughtfully about assessments. This includes explaining what assessments measure and moving beyond numbers and data, as well as what tests reveal about each student’s strengths and needs for improvement.
“Communication that is friendly, welcoming, and invites further dialogue can continue to keep families engaged,” the report concludes.
Take a closer look at the research here.
