Schools and districts have found that actively educating parents about classroom learning can transform educational outcomes. Research consistently shows that parent involvement is one of the strongest predictors of student success. Students whose parents stay involved in school have better attendance, behavior, and grades (Henderson & Mapp, 2002), and a strong home–school partnership benefits all students: “the better the partnership between school and home, the better the school and the higher the student achievement” (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2013). One landmark study in Chicago found that students were ten times more likely to achieve substantial gains in math in schools with strong parental involvement (Bryk et al., 2010). In short, informing and involving families about curriculum, pedagogy, and classroom activities empowers parents to support learning and helps create a more positive school climate (Henderson et al., 2007).

This report reviews best practices for involving parents in curriculum and classroom activities, communication strategies that build trust, case studies of effective parent-engagement initiatives, and policy frameworks that support family education and involvement.

Best Practices for Involving and Informing Parents

Inviting parents into the classroom and school community is critical. Schools can host regular information sessions on curriculum and teaching methods—such as math curriculum nights or open-classroom days—so parents understand what their children are learning and how they can support it (California Department of Education, 2014). Providing workshops and resources on topics like child development, reading strategies, or homework help allows parents to engage with new teaching methods (Weiss et al., 2009). Districts can also supply easy-to-access updates via digital platforms such as apps, websites, or email newsletters to keep parents informed of classroom activities, assignments, and school events (ParentSquare, 2022).

Enabling two-way communication is essential so that parents can ask questions and share concerns, rather than merely receiving notices. Sending home information about classroom standards ensures parents know what students are doing in class and how they can help (Epstein, 2001). Offering multiple and flexible opportunities for involvement accommodates working families and diverse schedules. These might include volunteering, attending school events, or participating remotely through digital platforms. The California Family Engagement Framework encourages parents to talk with their student’s teachers and visit classrooms to observe learning, emphasizing that families play a valuable role in understanding and supporting instruction (California Department of Education, 2014).

Culturally responsive outreach also remains vital. Creating a welcoming environment that respects families’ cultures and languages—including translation services and meeting times that accommodate parents’ work schedules—ensures equity in access (Garcia & Weiss, 2019). Educators must begin with the belief that all parents, regardless of background, have the capacity to support learning (Mapp & Kuttner, 2013). An asset-based approach that acknowledges family strengths helps foster confidence and long-term engagement.

Effective Communication Strategies

Clear, respectful communication builds trust between families and schools. Research highlights relational trust as foundational: when parents feel heard, respected, and understood, they engage more willingly and constructively (Bryk & Schneider, 2002). Proactive outreach—such as positive phone calls, brief check-ins, or messages celebrating student progress—signals openness and hospitality. Dedicating teacher time for home visits, feedback calls, and conferences fosters a stronger connection between school and home (Learning Policy Institute, 2017).

Effective communication also requires deep listening. Educators should give parents a voice in planning and problem-solving, encouraging them to share their insights and concerns in respectful, collaborative conversations. One study in Illinois found that teacher invitations to parents, especially targeted and specific ones, significantly increased parent involvement and even boosted test scores (Hoover-Dempsey et al., 2005). Giving parents a real role in shaping the school experience moves them from passive recipients to active participants.

Transparency around classroom learning is also critical. Educators should clearly explain instructional goals, curriculum content, and teaching methods. Sharing monthly lesson summaries or holding family learning nights allows parents to better understand and support their children’s work. Including families in discussions of homework policies, grading practices, and learning outcomes closes the loop between home and school (Epstein et al., 2009).

Family-centered events—such as bilingual literacy nights, student showcases, or cultural celebrations—also help families feel connected and valued. These events strengthen school identity and offer opportunities for parents to engage in meaningful ways. Research consistently shows that schools with welcoming, inclusive cultures achieve far higher levels of family participation (Ishimaru, 2014).

All communication should be grounded in respect. Schools should avoid deficit-based assumptions and instead affirm that all families want the best for their children. Educators must use accessible language (avoiding jargon) and recognize that parents are experts on their own children. School leaders who model culturally proficient and empathetic behavior help establish a climate of trust and partnership (Mapp & Kuttner, 2013).

Case Studies of Effective Parent Engagement

Boston Arts Academy in Massachusetts exemplifies a school that used relational trust and strong communication to build family partnerships. Staff created multiple entry points for involvement, respected families’ diverse backgrounds, and encouraged collaboration. Parent event attendance was high, and students demonstrated strong academic achievement and social-emotional growth. By positioning families as partners, the school cultivated a climate where parents moved from passivity to active participation (Ishimaru, 2014).

In Tennessee, the Metro Nashville Public Schools launched Parent University, a district-wide initiative offering free workshops on curriculum topics, school resources, and parenting skills. A formal study found that Parent University increased parents’ understanding of how to help their children succeed and motivated many to get more involved in their children’s education (Lopez et al., 2001). While short-term academic impacts were limited, the long-term gains in family engagement and parent confidence were significant.

The Consortium on Chicago School Research analyzed 100 elementary schools and found that strong parent involvement was crucial to school improvement. In schools with active family engagement, students were ten times more likely to make large gains in math achievement. Successful programs focused on shared reading at home, frequent communication between teachers and parents, joint problem-solving, and parent participation in homework support (Bryk et al., 2010). The study concluded that school reform is unlikely to succeed without a strong parent-school partnership.

Other initiatives—such as parent leadership training, community-school partnerships, and family resource centers—have also shown improvements in attendance, behavior, and graduation rates. Across all case studies, a common theme emerges: when schools treat families as capable and valuable partners, student outcomes improve (Henderson et al., 2007).

Policy Frameworks and Recommendations

Many states and districts now offer formal guidelines to support parent engagement. The California Department of Education’s Family Engagement Framework outlines roles for parents, schools, and communities and suggests that schools provide workshops, involve families in decision-making, and share responsibility for student learning (California Department of Education, 2014). Illinois’ State Board of Education promotes similar core principles: building a welcoming environment, improving communication, and including families in planning and governance (Illinois State Board of Education, 2011).

Districts should require all schools to develop family engagement plans, as mandated by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). These plans should outline how schools will inform families, build relationships, and offer opportunities for participation. Assigning family engagement coordinators, funding outreach initiatives, and embedding engagement goals in school improvement plans are effective structural supports (Mapp & Kuttner, 2013).

Professional development is also essential. Schools should train educators in communication strategies, cultural competence, and family-centered approaches. Teacher preparation programs and in-service training can include modules on home-school partnerships, asset-based outreach, and positive discipline strategies (Learning Policy Institute, 2017).

Accessibility remains a top priority. Schools must ensure that meetings and materials are offered in multiple languages and formats. Translation services, transportation support, and flexible scheduling ensure that all families—especially those in underserved communities—can participate meaningfully (Garcia & Weiss, 2019).

Including parents in governance and planning also deepens engagement. Schools should invite parents to serve on advisory councils, participate in curriculum review, and help shape local priorities. Empowering families to help write or revise district plans affirms their role in educational leadership and fosters more responsive decision-making (Epstein et al., 2009).

Finally, partnerships with community organizations can broaden the reach of family engagement. Public libraries, health agencies, and cultural centers can host parent learning programs or provide wraparound services that support whole-child development. When schools embrace a collaborative, cross-sector model of family support, they can meet the needs of more families and improve outcomes across multiple domains (Weiss et al., 2009).

Conclusion

Educating parents about K–12 classroom practices is not simply a public relations move—it is a strategic investment in student success. When families understand what students are learning and how they are being taught, they are better equipped to reinforce learning at home, advocate effectively, and engage in collaborative problem-solving with schools. The research is clear: relational trust, transparency, and inclusion lead to better outcomes for students, educators, and communities (Bryk & Schneider, 2002; Henderson & Mapp, 2002). As policy frameworks and case studies show, schools that approach families as true partners see stronger achievement, healthier school climates, and more resilient students. It’s time to stop viewing family engagement as optional and start treating it as a cornerstone of educational practice.

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References

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Illinois State Board of Education. (2011). Family engagement policy brief. https://www.isbe.net/

Ishimaru, A. M. (2014). Rewriting the rules of engagement: Elaborating a model of district-community collaboration. Harvard Educational Review, 84(2), 188–216.

Learning Policy Institute. (2017). Effective teacher professional development. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org

Lopez, G. R., Scribner, J. D., & Mahitivanichcha, K. (2001). Redefining parental involvement: Lessons from high-performing migrant-impacted schools. American Educational Research Journal, 38(2), 253–288.

Mapp, K. L., & Kuttner, P. J. (2013). Partners in education: A dual capacity-building framework for family–school partnerships. U.S. Department of Education.

ParentSquare. (2022). Engaging families through effective communication tools. https://www.parentsquare.com/

Weiss, H. B., Lopez, M. E., & Rosenberg, H. (2009). Beyond random acts: Family, school, and community engagement as an integral part of education reform. Harvard Family Research Project.