Family and Community Engagement in Charter Schools

• In Event: Roundtable Session 53
  In Roundtable Session: Family and Public Engagement, School Choice, and Charter Schools

Abstract

Increasing the levels of family and community engagement in schools has been an important rationale for the creation of charter schools from the beginning of the movement (Wohlstetter & Smith, 2010; Weil, 2002). While charters often have more flexibility than district-run schools, they too face challenges related to family engagement. This literature review briefly outlines some areas in which charter schools are well-suited to high levels of engagement as well as some unique challenges they face. The authors will connect existing literature on family and community engagement to contextual factors in charter schools. To foster practical applications of the findings presented, the authors provide a discussion of potential steps for charters to increase family and community engagement

Authors

• Lindsey Brooke Jakiel, The University of New Orleans

• Brian Robert Beabout, The University of New Orleans