All Posts

Meaningful family engagement takes root when schools and communities work together in ways that reflect local context and priorities. This post highlights family engagement efforts in Montrose, exploring how collaboration, trust-building, and shared learning are supporting stronger school–family partnerships and student success.

Meaningful family–school partnerships are strengthened through shared learning and intentional practice. This post highlights the DCPS Connected Schools trainings, exploring how educators and school staff engaged in professional learning focused on connection, collaboration, and strategies that support stronger relationships with families and communities.

Stepping away from day-to-day work can create space for deeper connection, reflection, and strategic alignment. This post reflects on the CFS team retreat in South Dakota, highlighting how intentional time together strengthened relationships, clarified priorities, and supported shared thinking about impact, collaboration, and the work ahead.

2024 was a year of deep learning, meaningful partnerships, and collective progress. From facilitating conversations and strengthening family–school relationships to supporting communities across contexts, this impact reflection highlights how our work translated into real-world outcomes. This post shares key moments, lessons, and insights that are shaping our path forward.

Family engagement looks different in every context, and understanding local strengths, challenges, and priorities is essential to meaningful partnership work. This post highlights family engagement efforts in West Virginia, reflecting on how educators, families, and community members are coming together to build trust, strengthen collaboration, and support student success across the state.

Reflecting on the NAFSCE Assembly offers a chance to pause, learn, and carry forward the insights that emerged from shared space and collective dialogue. This post highlights key takeaways from the assembly, centering connection, learning, and the power of bringing educators, families, and community leaders together to strengthen family engagement work.

Parenting stress is widespread—and it has real implications for families, schools, and student success. When families are overwhelmed, engagement can feel harder to sustain, even when care and commitment are strong. This post explores what’s driving parenting stress and why understanding these realities is essential for building more empathetic, responsive family–school partnerships.

Scholar Ambassadors play a critical role in shaping programs that are relevant, responsive, and grounded in student experience. Through the AFE Scholar Ambassador model, students build leadership skills, support peer learning, and help strengthen community within the program. This post highlights how centering student voice and leadership contributes to deeper engagement and more meaningful impact.

The inaugural National Assembly for Family Engagement in Education brought together practitioners, leaders, and advocates from across the country to learn, connect, and deepen their commitment to meaningful family engagement. This post reflects on the themes, conversations, and shared learning that emerged—highlighting the power of collective space, community voice, and cross-sector collaboration.

Meaningful dialogue doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention, trust, and thoughtful facilitation. Whether in family meetings, focus groups, or community conversations, the way dialogue is structured can determine whether voices are truly heard. This post explores practical approaches for facilitating conversations that foster understanding, shared learning, and stronger relationships across differences.

Looking ahead is an opportunity to reflect on what we’ve learned, name what still needs to change, and recommit to work that centers people, partnerships, and purpose. In this post, we share reflections on where we’ve been and how those insights are shaping our approach moving forward—grounded in learning, collaboration, and a deep belief in what’s possible when communities lead.

As schools and communities navigate what it means to move forward after March 2020, this conversation reflects on the enduring importance of family engagement. Co-Founder Mike Andrews and a panel of national experts explore how lessons from the past two years can strengthen family–school partnerships, balancing innovation with humanity as education continues to evolve.