What practice can school leaders implement to promote family involvement in education?

Hiring parent facilitators using Title I funds is a highly effective practice for promoting family involvement in education. This strategy acknowledges and addresses the barriers that some families face in engaging with their child's education. By employing parent facilitators, schools can create a bridge between the school and the home, taking advantage of the facilitators’ insights into family needs and cultural contexts. This role typically includes reaching out to other parents, providing information about available resources, and facilitating discussions about educational priorities and challenges.

When schools hire parent facilitators, they not only tap into the existing knowledge and experiences of parents but also provide families with a dedicated resource to help them navigate the educational system. This can encourage more parents to participate in school activities, attend meetings, and engage in their children's learning, ultimately fostering a stronger partnership between families and schools.

While other choices may support family involvement, they do not address the systemic issues related to accessibility and engagement as directly as hiring parent facilitators. For instance, working extended hours may not necessarily increase participation if parents are still unaware of how or why they should get involved. Similarly, engaging parents already involved in school activities focuses on a smaller, already engaged group rather than working to broaden participation among all families. Sending a weekly e-newsletter can keep