Student and Family Support (SFS)

Office of Student and Family Support (SFS)

Family Engagement logo

Family Engagement
Initiatives and Resources

At the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), we believe families are essential partners in every child's learning journey, from birth through young adulthood.

Family involvement means collaborating with families, schools, and communities, to ensure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to thrive. It's about building strong, two-way relationships where everyone shares responsibility for helping students succeed.

We recognize that every family brings unique strengths, values, and cultural traditions. That's why meaningful family-school partnerships:

  • Respect and reflect on the diverse experiences of all families.

  • Break down barriers so every family can participate in ways that matter to them.

  • It takes place at home, at school, and in the community wherever students live and learn.

Family and community engagement is a foundational element of equitable and effective public education in Massachusetts. In alignment with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) Educational Vision and Racial Equity Decision-Making Toolkit, meaningful partnerships with families and communities are essential to ensuring that every student has access to high-quality learning experiences, especially those who have been historically underserved.

Under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), schools and districts (also known as Local Education Agencies or LEAs) are required to actively engage families and community members in the development of state and local education plans. This includes decisions about the use of federal funding such as Title I, Part A, which supports schools and districts serving high percentages of students from low-income households.

Schools must work in partnership with families, educators, and community stakeholders to co-create school improvement plans, particularly for schools identified for support and improvement under ESSA. These partnerships must be collaborative, culturally responsive, and inclusive, recognizing the diverse voices and lived experiences of families and communities.

Family engagement is most effective when it is collaborative, culturally responsive, and equitable. It helps ensure that all students, especially those from historically underserved communities, have meaningful opportunities to excel, grow, and thrive.

Together, we can create a more inclusive, welcoming and accessible education system for all.

Family Engagement Tools and Resources:

SY 2024-25 Initiative Highlights

The Family Institute for Student Success (FISS)

FISS is a statewide initiative launched in Spring 2022, supporting schools and families as shared partners in student success. In collaboration with Humanity Advanced, LLC, DESE has developed a comprehensive framework that strengthens the capacity of families and educators alike.

FISS aims to improve: Academic achievement, school attendance, graduation rates, social-emotional learning, college and career readiness, and special education

Participating districts: Atlantis Charter School, Fitchburg Public Schools, Lowell Public Schools, Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP), and Worcester Public Schools.

Participation in First Cohort Spring 2022 – June 2023:

  • 283 families attended the information sessions
  • 139 families registered
  • 120 families graduated (86% completion rate)

Second Cohort: Summer 2024 – June 2025:

  • Expansion to new schools in participating districts
  • Launched Families Core Program at Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP)
  • Launched Schools Core Program in Worcester
  • At least 400 families were engaged and 300 families graduated
  • 60 school staff engaged in training

Open Pathways: Family Empowerment Deep Dive Consultations

DESE partnered with The Equity Imperative to support school districts in identifying and addressing barriers to family engagement. Deep Dive Consultations are collaborative—not evaluative—spaces to explore systemic challenges and co-create action plans.

Participating Districts: Lynn Public Schools, North Adams Public Schools, Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership (SEZP), and Winthrop Public Schools

Family Engagement Regional Network Meetings

The Family Engagement Network is a space for family engagement leaders, school staff, and community partners to connect, learn, and collaborate.

2025 Regional Meetings

  • Central MA Region (Completed)

    • April 2025 at Fitchburg State University

  • Stay tuned for the upcoming 2025-2026 Network Meeting Calendar!

Other Family Engagement Professional Learning Opportunities

DESE offers professional learning to strengthen authentic, equity-driven family partnerships.

FY2025 PD Session (Completed)

  • June 2025 at DESE in Everett, in partnership with The Equity Imperative

  • Focus: Supporting families through the IEP process and fostering belonging

Better Together: Family-School Partnerships Summit

Thank you to all who joined us for the 2023 Better Together Summit!
We're planning to bring the summit regionally closer to districts and communities.

Tentative schedule: fall or winter 2025-2026

Regional Events goals:

  • Share best practices

  • Celebrate local efforts

  • Deepen partnerships between schools, community partners and families

More details will be announced over the summer. Stay connected!

Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council (PCEIAC)

The Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council (PCEIAC) focuses on matters pertaining to the development of family and community engagement in education. Its function is to help inform and advise the Department on policy issues that relate to the enhancement of the educational achievement of Massachusetts students.

Dates for the FY2026 Parent and Community Education and Involvement Advisory Council (PCEIA) Meetings will be posted on the council page once confirmed.

For more information contact Olga Lopez , Family Engagement Specialist.

Last Updated: August 15, 2025

Contact Information

For additional information on SFS or related programs contact:

Rachelle Engler Bennett, Associate Commissioner

Kristen McKinnon, Assistant Director

Student and Family Support (SFS)
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
135 Santilli Highway Everett, MA 02149
Email: achievement@mass.gov
Phone: 781-338-3010/ Fax: 781-338-3090

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