Authentic Family Engagement Certification Program

Explore the meaning of authentic family engagement and why it is critical for the success of students today. Participants will investigate the nature of “authentic” family outreach and ways to promote their involvement in education.

Leaders will also compare outmoded models of family engagement to exemplary contemporary practices in the field. Participants will grow in their understanding of how family engagement can enhance student achievement and schools as true learning organizations.

How do modern parents view their children’s education and the quality of the schools they attend?

This module will emphasize this critical question, exploring the causes of parental misconceptions and negative perceptions—particularly in an increasingly divisive political climate. Participants will explore strategies and techniques for promoting positive and sustained parent and family engagement.

Leaders will have opportunities to understand the universal elements of authentic family engagement common to all levels of students’ education. This module explores the unique nature of students’ varying developmental levels as they grow and mature.

Participants' experiences will be customized, allowing them to emphasize the unique needs, challenges and opportunities associated with family engagement at the Pre-K, elementary, middle and high school levels.

Educators can derive powerful benefits from sustained and successful authentic family engagement. This module will explore specific ways in which family outreach and involvement can impact teacher and administrator beliefs, mindsets, and attitudes.

It will identify specific skills, mindsets, and dispositions required for educators to promote and sustain authentic family engagement, enhancing instruction, assessment and classroom management practices in the process.

How do great educational leaders promote authentic family engagement?

Educational leaders can use a range of strategies, techniques, and approaches to ensure that their school or district emphasizes authentic family engagement. Leaders can also become effective facilitators of the change process related to helping staff and families understand and adapt to increased engagement.

Portraits of successful educational leaders—including both central office and school-based administrators—will guide and inform participants’ discussions, emphasizing what we know about essential conditions for successful family engagement and the role of the educational leader in promoting those conditions.

Effective and sustainable family engagement requires that district and school strategic planning emphasize it as a priority. This final module will highlight examples and models of how authentic family engagement can be integrated into effective strategic plans and continuous improvement at both school and district levels.

The course will conclude with recommendations for helping parents and families to become true partners in educational transformation in schools today—as well as suggested “next steps” in taking this work forward within participants’ learning organizations.