History & Network

What is Family Engagement?

Family engagement is an intentional partnership among educators, families, and community members who share responsibility for a child’s learning and development from birth through adulthood. Effective family engagement requires schools to integrate family and community collaboration into student learning goals, while families and educators build the skills and knowledge to work together successfully.

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According to the CCEE-CEI and California Department of Education’s Family Engagement Toolkit, authentic engagement is a shared commitment that strengthens both student outcomes and school communities.

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The History of Family Engagement

Family engagement in education has evolved significantly over the past decades. Increasingly, schools and policymakers recognize families as equal partners in educational decisions. Research consistently shows that when families are actively involved:

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• Student achievement improves

• Attendance and behavior increase

• Social-emotional skills strengthen

• Graduation rates rise

• Family engagement also enhances school climate, teacher morale, and long-term school improvement.

 

CA-FEN members first came together in 2017 to assist the California Department of Education with the Family Engagement Local Indicator, helping districts measure and improve family engagement practices.

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Though the formal state committee ended in 2019, CA-FEN continued its mission. In 2023, the network was formalized to coordinate statewide efforts, ensuring schools are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive, especially for low-income families.