How to design an explicit school framework for Family Engagement in Learning

Have you ever found yourself wondering what an explicit practice framework for family engagement might look like? I have, and if I had to guess, not too many people in education have spent their nights tossing and turning over this question. But here I am, ready to think out loud and maybe even get a bit excited with some ideas on what such a framework could look like.

Let’s start with a couple of this decade’s favorite educational buzzwords: explicit practice and modelling. Explicit practice is all about breaking down what learners need to master into bite-sized steps, making it easier for them to grasp new skills and information. While this method is often paraded as the latest and greatest, it’s actually been a staple in teaching for over twenty years. But hey, it’s still a good reminder for anyone crafting learning experiences—not just for kids, but for anyone—to use scaffolding and small, progressive steps.

One of my favourite, colleagues had a great term for this: “cat-dog teaching.” It’s a quirky way of emphasizing the need for crystal-clear instructions, because if you want learners to succeed, they need to know exactly what they’re supposed to do—no guessing games allowed!

So, what would an Explicit Family Engagement Framework look like in a no-guessing game school? Well, imagine a school where there’s no confusion, no mixed messages—just a clear, shared vision between the school and families about what Family Engagement really means.

First off, every school could co-design this vision with families, making sure everyone’s on the same page. It’s like agreeing on the rules before playing a game—everyone knows what to expect and how to play their part.

Next, this vision wouldn’t just be some fancy words tucked away in a dusty binder. It would be front and center in the school’s Improvement Plan and Annual Action Plan every single year. Schools would have concrete strategies for Family Engagement, with goals and actions that everyone is working towards—no one is left wondering what’s going on.

Then, every school would take time to teach both staff and families the difference between Family Involvement and Family Engagement. It’s like the difference between showing up to a game and actually playing in it—engagement means families are active participants in their children’s learning, not just spectators on the sidelines.

Additionally schools would take a good hard look at all the activities they currently have with family participation. But instead of just repeating the same old events year after year, they’d re imagine these moments to ensure they truly engage families in their children’s learning in meaningful ways. This is what we call the “Different not More” approach—it’s not about piling on more activities, but about making the ones we have really count.

Most schools already have some great groups in place, like an Education Board, School Council, Advisory Body, or a parent group—whether it’s called Parents and Friends or something else. These groups are all golden opportunities to engage families in their children’s learning. What’s needed, though, is a slight shift in mindset and a bit of imagination about how these groups can be used and how leaders can support them. By tweaking how we think about these roles, we can turn these existing groups into powerful engines for family engagement. The skills and processes I mentioned in 10 , like Appreciative Inquiry and Facilitation, are perfect for this. They can help these groups become more focused on engaging families and making a real difference in students’ learning

Research is pretty clear: Home-Based family engagement has a huge impact on student success. So, imagine if every school teamed up with families to create their own home-based family engagement program. It wouldn’t be some one-size-fits-all approach; it would be tailored to fit the unique needs and strengths of each school community.

Now, let’s talk about resources because, without them, even the best plans can fall flat. We’re talking about time, space, money, people with the right skills, and ongoing professional development. These are the essential ingredients for any school improvement effort. Without them, the chances of success are slim.

But here’s the kicker: when you improve family engagement, you’re not just boosting learning. You’re also giving a lift to every other improvement effort the school takes on. It’s like hitting a two-for-one special—better engagement means better outcomes all around.

Now, let’s dive into the skills, processes, and practices that can help teachers and school leaders get better at engaging families. There are a bunch of really useful tools out there, and I’ve listed a few of them below. If you’re not familiar with any of these, it might be time to brush up on your skills with a bit of training:

• Appreciative Inquiry: This is all about focusing on the positives—what’s working well in your school and how you can build on it. It’s like flipping the script and looking for the good stuff instead of just fixing problems.
• The Art of Facilitation: This skill is key for guiding group discussions, making sure everyone feels heard, and keeping things on track. Think of it as being the host who knows how to keep the conversation flowing at a dinner party.
• Facilitating a Community Conversation: This is where you bring families together to talk about what matters most to them and their children’s education. It’s all about listening in an open, safe space for sharing ideas and possibilities.

• Leading a Guided Learning Walk for Parents: Imagine taking parents on a tour of the school to see learning in action. It’s not just a walk around the building—it’s about them discovering how their kids are learning and why it matters, much more than just a school tour.These tools can be game-changers for family engagement, so if any of them are new to you, consider investing some time in learning how to use them effectively.

The E.F.E.F.

So there you have it—building an Explicit Family Engagement Framework might not be what you daydream about on a lazy afternoon, but it’s an idea worth getting excited about. When schools and families come together with clear, shared goals, the impact on students can be extraordinary. It's like we’re all playing on the same team, with no confusion about the rules and a genuine commitment to each other’s success. Plus, let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to make their school community a little more connected and a lot more supportive? And if that means mastering a few new tools or shaking up old routines, well, that sounds like a win-win to me.

So let’s get to it—because better family engagement isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have for every school aiming to give its students the best shot at success. win-win to me.