Caregivers In The Classroom - Sit Together and Read

Teachers Help Engage Caregivers In The Classroom

“The evidence is consistent, positive, and convincing: families have a major influence on their children’s achievement in school and through life.”
(Henderson & Mapp, 2002)

Several studies show that family engagement programs and workshops provided by educators are related to children’s academic success. Family outreach is correlated with higher child performance in both reading and math, specifically when caregiver engagement forums are in person, when materials are sent home regularly, and when frequent contact about their child’s progress is made (Henderson & Mapp, 2002).

Successful Family Engagement Strategies

Caregivers Classroom

It is important that schools use these three key practices in a way that supports families from diverse backgrounds:

Focus on building trusting collaborative relationships among teachers, families, and community members.
Recognize, respect, and address families’ needs, as well as class and cultural differences.
Embrace a philosophy of partnership where power and responsibility are shared.

(Henderson & Mapp, 2002)

Caregivers Classroom 2

Educational outreach programs nationwide have inspired caregivers and families to involve the community in school success. Specifically, outreach efforts have been made to support schools that are considered low-performing. Community involvement allows low-income families to collaborate with businesses and political leaders to effect change that holds schools accountable for greater student outcomes. Studies show that community engagement in the school system leads to:

Upgraded school facilities.
Improved school leadership and staffing.
Higher-quality learning programs for students.
New resources and programs to improve teaching and curriculum.
New funding for after-school programs and family supports.