Family & Community

Family and Community – The Heart

Researchers have found that the key to making the family-community-school relationship a success is by considering it a partnership of equals . In other words, educators and families from all backgrounds are seen and valued as experts in a child’s education. And community members are viewed as helpful contributors and supporters of schools.

This partnership is built on shared values and emphasizes the strengths that all stakeholders bring to the table. The trust and respect that is fostered helps to cultivate a sense of belonging in the school community among students and their families, which in turn creates a caring school climate.

It takes a village to raise a child, and science is proving this. Here are a few findings:

Students do better in school when their families are involved in their education.

• Students whose families participate in their education have higher levels of attendance, homework completion, academic outcomes, and graduation rates.
• Students’ attitudes towards school, self-esteem, and behavior all improve when their families participate in their education.
• When schools suggest practical ways that families can support their children’s learning at home, students do better.
• Families from all cultural backgrounds, education, and income levels can positively influence student success. 

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