Office of Student and Family Support

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) Family Engagement Definition

(with thanks to all externally and internally who informed this):

The primary goal of family engagement is to facilitate shared responsibility that contributes to the healthy development, learning, and growth of children - from the earliest ages into young adulthood. Family Engagement builds relationships between students, families, educators, and the community. These relationships over time develop into meaningful partnerships rooted in the strengths and assets of all. Effective family engagement is culturally responsive, collaborative, equitable, and respectful of diverse languages, norms, and values. Effective engagement strives to eliminate barriers to participation. These engagement practices take place in schools, in the community, and wherever students live and learn.