As part of the critical effort to provide a comprehensive reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act/No Child Left Behind, the Family Engagement in Education Act was introduced this month.
As a recent article in the Wall Street Journal notes, “The Family Engagement in Education Act prioritizes family engagement by targeting federal resources -- a small portion (.3 percent) of Title I administrative funds -- for state capacity building and the establishment of at least one Local Family Engagement Center to serve the highest-need areas. The legislation would also increase the investment in family engagement locally for qualifying local agencies. With the proper funding and tools, those closest to America's schools would have the decision-making ability to systemically embed a lasting family engagement infrastructure that is research based and results driven, but flexible in its application.”
This is an important step toward providing the increased and necessary investment, funding and tools around family and community engagement. Looking ahead to the next step, what kinds of innovative and comprehensive strategies do you think will help ensure the most effective use and implementation of resources like Family Engagement Centers?
