Reframing Family Engagement: Inclusive Strategies That Elevate and Validate

Educational research consistently underscores the significance of family engagement in children's education. However, diverse ideals regarding family involvement often constrain the potential for meaningful school-home interactions within culturally diverse urban communities. Amidst education reform priorities such as high-stakes testing and teacher accountability, the crucial connections between schools and families are frequently overlooked. In this essay, we explore strategies for urban schools to foster partnerships with families and communities that leverage the full range of urban families' literacies, knowledge, resources, and experiences. Informed by findings from our previous research, we propose an approach that encourages teachers to critically examine their assumptions and biases regarding family engagement in schools. Through reflective practices, educators can discern how their mindsets, language, and actions influence the perceptions of families as valued stakeholders in their children's education. By embracing a shift in perspective, teachers can develop more inclusive and respectful family engagement strategies tailored to the unique needs of urban schools and communities. This framework equips educators with the tools to design initiatives that honor the diverse backgrounds and contributions of families, ultimately fostering stronger partnerships between schools, families, and communities.