Including all families in education: school district-level efforts to promote parent engagement in Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Parent engagement plays an essential role in student achievement and well-being, but not all families are able to participate in their children’s education. This article focuses on strategies for reaching and supporting parents who face challenges to engagement such as poverty and cultural diversity. Five district-level parent engagement projects were qualitatively examined through observations, document analysis, and 47 interviews with program coordinators, educators, and parents. Coordinators conducted surveys and community visits to learn about families and their communities. All initiatives had district support, and used strategies to address poverty and/or cultural challenges. Some initiatives engaged parents in teaching and learning, and others provided parenting support and links to community services and organizations for families. Provincial education departments or ministries, universities and boards need to work with educators, providing human, material and financial resources to support inclusive initiatives that promote all families’ participation in their children’s education.

Keywords:

• parent engagement
• family involvement
• inclusion
• equity
• social justice
• urban education

Notes

1. Both the parent engagement initiatives and the research on them were funded by the Ontario Ministry of Education’s PEO.

2. Canada’s aboriginal population is commonly identified as First Nations.

3. As Canada’s official languages, both English- and French-language schools are publicly funded. Catholic schools as well as non-denominational schools are also publicly funded.