Building strong relationships between schools and families is an essential component of supporting student learning and achievement. This 45-hour CTLE course provides educators with research-informed strategies for developing reciprocal, inclusive, and effective family-school partnerships.

Participants will examine the foundations of family engagement, including the relationship between parental involvement and student success, and explore Epstein's Six Types of Parental Involvement as a framework for strengthening school-family collaboration.

The course addresses effective communication practices, culturally responsive engagement, and barriers that may prevent families from participating fully in their children's education. Participants will consider challenges related to language, technology, scheduling, family resources, and prior school experiences while developing practical approaches that promote accessibility, trust, and meaningful participation.

Special attention is given to family engagement during the middle and secondary school years, including strategies that support adolescent independence, academic growth, and college and career readiness. Participants will also explore ways families can support learning at home without taking over students' academic responsibilities.

Through research-based readings, instructional presentations, multimedia activities, and application-based assignments, participants will explore practical approaches to strengthening family engagement and develop strategies tailored to their classroom or school.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyze the relationship between family-school partnerships and student academic achievement.

• Describe and apply Epstein's Six Types of Parental Involvement.

• Identify barriers to meaningful family engagement, including challenges faced by families in Title I schools.

• Develop effective, culturally responsive communication strategies that promote reciprocal relationships with families.

• Design inclusive opportunities for families to support student learning at home.

• Reflect on personal beliefs and biases that may influence family engagement practices.

• Create a practical family engagement implementation plan tailored to their classroom or school.

Through guided reflection and practical assignments, participants will identify areas for professional growth and create a 30-60-90-day implementation plan with actionable steps to strengthen family-school partnerships and support student achievement.