Family Engagement in Education

Learn about successful collaborations between families and educators and why they lead to improved outcomes for students and schools.

About this course

In this education course, you will learn what family engagement is and why it matters to the success of students and schools. We will explore the research linking family engagement to better educational outcomes and speak directly with researchers, educators, students, and families about promising practices in the field.

Family engagement describes what families do at home and in the community to support their children’s learning and development. It also encompasses the shared partnership and responsibility between home and school.

Such engagement is essential for school improvement. It is also increasingly recognized as an integral element for proficient practice as an educator.


HarvardX requires individuals who enroll in its courses on edX to abide by the terms of the edX honor code. HarvardX will take appropriate corrective action in response to violations of the edX honor code, which may include dismissal from the HarvardX course; revocation of any certificates received for the HarvardX course; or other remedies as circumstances warrant. No refunds will be issued in the case of corrective action for such violations. Enrollees who are taking HarvardX courses as part of another program will also be governed by the academic policies of those programs.

HarvardX pursues the science of learning. By registering as an online learner in an HX course, you will also participate in research about learning. Read our research statement to learn more.

Harvard University and HarvardX are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination or harassment in our program. All members of the HarvardX community are expected to abide by Harvard policies on nondiscrimination, including sexual harassment, and the edX Terms of Service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact harvardx@harvard.edu and/or report your experience through the edX contact form.

See more

What you'll learn

On completion of this course, your should be able to:

  • The relationship between family engagement and improved school/student outcomes from birth through high school
  • The additional benefits family engagement brings to parents, educators, and communities
  • What the research shows about the importance of engaging families
Length:
6 weeks
Effort:
2-4 hours per week
Price:
FREE
Add a Verified Certificate for $70
Institution:
HarvardX
Subject:
Education & Teacher Training
Level:
Introductory
Languages:
English
Video Transcript:
English

Prerequisites

None