The “Six Global Lessons on How Family, School, and Community Engagement Can Transform Education” report, produced by EducAid in Sierra Leone, highlights the critical role of families and communities in supporting students and schools. Drawing from over two years of research and hundreds of conversations across six continents, the report underscores the importance of strong partnerships between families, educators, and community groups. These collaborations foster relational trust and a shared vision for education, essential for creating equitable, inclusive, and high-quality educational environments. Lead researcher Foday Kalokoh emphasizes that schools are both a reflection of and a pillar for community development, and that their success is intertwined with the support they receive from families and communities.

The research further explores how education systems transformation relies on the active involvement of families. It argues that families are vital actors in education at all levels, from local schools to national policy. The report introduces the concept of the four C’s—coherence, cohesion, care, and contact—as foundational elements for building strong family, school, and community partnerships. By centering these partnerships in education systems, the report advocates for a shift in power dynamics, enabling a collective approach to decision-making and educational change. This community-driven approach is crucial in addressing global challenges and ensuring that education remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of students and society.

Read this inspiring report in IPA’s Library

This document, titled Six Global Lessons on How Family, School, and Community Engagement Can Transform Education, is a comprehensive research report by Emily Markovich Morris and Laura Nóra, published in June 2024 by the Brookings Institution. The report presents findings from a two-year collaborative research project involving hundreds of students, families, school educators, and researchers across six continents.

Key Components of the Report

Overview
The report emphasizes the critical role of families and communities in education system transformation. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between schools and communities, arguing that schools are both a reflection of and a fundamental pillar to community development.

Research Goals

  1. Expand global family, school, and community data and research, especially in the Global South.
  2. Inform practice by presenting key lessons for developing evidence-based and equity-focused engagement strategies.
  3. Elevate community perspectives and strategies through participatory research.

Methodology
The research utilized Conversation Starter Tools (CSTs), a participatory approach designed to understand beliefs about education, identify types of family engagement, and gauge relational trust between families, educators, and students.

Research Scope

  • 16 countries participated
  • 9,473 families, 2,726 educators, and 9,963 students surveyed
  • 235 schools involved

Six Global Lessons

  1. Begin with beliefs: Understanding diverse perspectives on the purpose of education is crucial.
  2. Position families as partners: Recognize the various ways families support learning at home.
  3. Collectively break barriers: Address structural and situational impediments to strong partnerships.
  4. Build at the speed of trust: Develop strategies to enhance relational trust between families and educators.
  5. Make family, school, and community engagement a must: Ensure consistent funding and support for engagement activities.
  6. Disrupt power dynamics through community-driven research: Use participatory research to build trust and develop cohesive strategies.

Theoretical Framework
The report introduces the “Four C’s” for family, school, and community partnerships:

  • Coherence: Shared vision and language
  • Cohesion: Sense of community
  • Care: Relational trust
  • Contact: Everyday interactions and communication

Key Concepts

  • Family, school, and community engagement
  • Education systems transformation
  • Relational trust
  • Participatory research
  • Global South perspectives

Keywords

family engagement, education transformation, participatory research, relational trust, global education, community partnerships, Conversation Starter Tools, education systems, Global South, equity in education.

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