Family engagement is a cornerstone of student success and a key component of effective Title I programming. Research consistently demonstrates that when families and schools work together as partners, students experience higher academic achievement, improved attendance, stronger social-emotional development, and increased motivation to learn. Building these partnerships requires educators to understand federal Title I requirements while creating welcoming, culturally responsive environments where every family feels respected, valued, and empowered to participate in their child's education.

This 5-hour professional development course provides educators with practical, evidence-based strategies for strengthening family engagement in Title I schools. Participants will explore the requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), examine barriers that may prevent family participation, develop culturally responsive communication practices, learn strategies for planning meaningful family engagement events, and create systems for evaluating the effectiveness of engagement initiatives. Through reflection, practical applications, and classroom resource development, educators will leave with actionable tools that promote collaboration between families and schools while supporting student achievement.

Throughout the course, participants will examine:

• The role of family engagement within Title I schools and ESSA requirements

• Federal Title I family engagement policies and educator responsibilities

• Research connecting family engagement to student achievement

• Common barriers that prevent family participation

• Strategies for removing barriers and increasing accessibility

• Culturally responsive practices that strengthen family-school relationships

• Building trust with culturally and linguistically diverse families

• Planning meaningful family engagement events that support student learning

• Effective communication strategies that encourage ongoing collaboration

• Evaluating the effectiveness of family engagement initiatives

• Using family feedback and participation data to improve engagement practices

• Developing sustainable family engagement plans that strengthen school communities

Participants will reflect on their current family engagement practices while developing practical communication tools, event plans, evaluation resources, and culturally responsive strategies that strengthen partnerships with families.

Assignments are designed to be practical, immediately applicable, and directly connected to the daily work of educators serving diverse school communities.

Special attention is given to helping educators create inclusive, welcoming environments where every family feels respected, supported, and encouraged to participate in their child's education.

Participants will develop practical strategies that foster authentic partnerships, promote educational equity, and strengthen collaboration between families, schools, and communities to improve student outcomes.