Reconnecting Broken Bonds: Why Family-School Partnerships Need to Be a Priority in Middle Schools

• In Event: Youth and Education: Intersections of Identity, Resistance, and Engagement in the 20th Century

Abstract

Student achievement is the largest contributing component of a public school’s rating and it also factors into annual teacher ratings. However, student achievement a complex indicator that relies on many different factors. Numerous researchers have shown that one of the largest factors affecting student achievement is the level of parental support or involvement. Unfortunately, families in the American public school system have been systematically disconnected from schools over time. This paper explores the historical, educational decisions that resulted in families and schools being disconnected. It also conceptualizes how student achievement can be improved with intentional Family-School Partnerships, specifically at the middle school level in public schools where parental involvement decreases.

Authors

• Tamecah Pinkney, Drexel University

• Tryphaena Hooper, Drexel University