Family engagement in education is a catalyst for student success. In Title I schools additional resources are provided to support families in being a part of their children’s success. Creating a strong learning community has been proven to improve academic outcomes. This blog will highlight how Title I can unlock family engagement in every school.
Understanding Title I Requirements
Title I is a part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This emphasized the role that family engagement plays in education. Schools who received Title I funding have a set of requirements they have to follow:
- They must develop a written family engagement plan with input from their families.
- They must offer regular opportunities for families to participate in school.
- They must provide accessible information and resources to support learning at home.
- They must conduct annual meetings to inform families about all of the above.
These requirements are simply the foundation for ensuring that families are a productive part of the learning process. Schools can go a set further and deliver evidence-based strategies in their schools.
Evidence-Based Family Engagement Strategies
Positive effects on student outcomes can be sourced to many things. One key measure is the level of engagement that families have. Strong family engagement has been proven to result in higher academic achievement.
1. Establish Two-Way Communication Channels
Schools who establish sound two way communication channels engage their families deeper. These channels should be culturally responsive ensuring that access is not a barrier. Providing information in multiple languages, ensuring translation tools are available, and being mindful of community practices deepens this connection.
2. Actively Build Home-School Connections
Activating your families to support learning at home is a proven growth tactic. Schools find success by offering family workshops on core subjects to equip your families with the tools they need. Family nights that have take-home kits or activities to ensure the learning is carried with them home and families are on the same page.
3. Create a Welcoming School Environment
The school environment not only affects the mindset of students, it also affects your families. Creating spaces where families feel welcomed to join and participate is critical for their engagement. Creating events at school that are low pressure and focused on fun helps to demystify and apprehension. Events such as donuts and dads, fun Fridays, or wacky weeks are great ways to invite families into the building.
4. Build Community Partnerships
Tapping into your community provides you with more resources that fit into more of your family’s lives. Establish connections with local businesses, libraries, or non-profit organizations to help expand your resources. This also establishes a cultural responsiveness with families when you have a strong connection with local resources.
5. Prioritize Student-Led Engagement
Passing the batton to students is one of the best ways to build academic success in your schools. Schools who do this best go beyond the typical student led conference. They have student-led fun nights, showcases, or fairs that involve families. This not only benefits students, but allows families to see their child in a new light.
Success Stories from Title I Schools
Don’t take this success just from what you are reading. There are countless examples of how family engagement through Title I funding made a significant impact. Here are a few testimonials to note:
- A school in California with a large multilingual population launched “Family Learning Nights” in multiple languages, pairing parents with bilingual educators. The program led to higher confidence among families in supporting student literacy at home.
- A school located near Washington, D.C., has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to family engagement since joining the Family Engagement Partnership (FEP) in 2016. Through these initiatives, they have observed increased participation in school events, improved satisfaction among students, families, and teachers, and a more welcoming school environment.
- A school in Texas saw a 40% increase in parent participation after introducing Seesaw as a digital portfolio and communication tool. Families reported feeling more connected to their children’s learning and better equipped to support them at home.
A Call To Action
Family engagement is a commitment. It is not a one-size-fits-all system. It required intentional planning, flexible ideas, and a commitment to improvement. Leverage the resources you have to establish evidence based structures. Create partnerships with your families that empower learners and lead to improved academic outcomes. Take your next steps today to create family engagement that is a catalyst for your students’ success.
