Family Engagement Initiative
This initiative aims to cultivate meaningful partnerships with Marin County public schools by strengthening family engagement. Through empowering parents as confident leaders, we strive to foster a collaborative environment where families play an active role in shaping and implementing strategies to advance educational equity in schools.
What are the Barriers to Parent Leadership?
- Language barriers get in the way of parent participation
- Communication systems (ParentSquare, Aeries) are difficult to navigate
- Understanding the educational system and how to get involved can be challenging
- Leadership opportunities (e.g., ELAC, PTA, Board meetings) are not always well-known or accessible
- Power dynamics hinder collaborative decision-making between parents and districts
- Meetings are less effective without training in facilitation or systems-change
Why is Family Engagement a Priority?
Research consistently shows that family engagement boosts student achievement, improves social-emotional health, and increases graduation and college attendance rates.
Integrating family voices with leaders ensures that priorities reflect community needs. Consistent family involvement in decision-making is crucial for building trust and achieving deeper systemic change.
What are the Strategies?
The Family Engagement Network is driven by parent leaders who represent a variety of roles and regions. The network has been convening monthly and these strategies have emerged from their initial discussions.
Data Awareness
Support parents in effectively advocating for their students and systems change by increasing family awareness of educational equity and milestone data through presentations in parent spaces and school settings.
Leadership Training
Support parents of English learners in being effective leaders in educational settings (such as English Language Advisory Committee or ELAC) and advocating for their students by increasing participation in leadership and facilitation training.
Educational Systems Training
Increasing understanding of educational systems, the role parents place in school decisions, and processes like English as a Second Language (ESL) reclassification through training for parents of English Language Learners.
Impact Through Data
Here’s a snapshot of the success from our recent Parent Leadership Training for English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC):
- Confidence Boost: Parents reporting confidence in participating in ELAC meetings increased from 57% to 93%.
- Growth in Understanding: Familiarity with ELAC’s purpose rose from 71% to 78%.
- Role Clarity: Understanding of their role as ELAC members jumped from 57% to 93%.
Related Resources & Stories
Partners Involved
Sign Up for the Family Engagement Initiative Newsletter
Click the button below for the latest news and updates from our Family Engagement Initiative.
