The Family Engagement in Education Act incentivizes schools and districts to meaningfully engage families to close the achievement gap. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on May 5, 2010 by Congresswoman McCarthy (D-NY) and Congressman Platts (R-PA).
Research demonstrates that family engagement in a child’s education increases student achievement, improves attendance, and reduces the dropout rate. The Family Engagement in Education Act (H.R 5211) incentivizes schools and districts to meaningfully engage families to close the achievement gap.

The Family Engagement in Education Act of 2010 - Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to allocate funds to states and, through them, local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop certain policies and practices to strengthen family engagement in their children's education.

It requires states and correctional facilities to work with family members and aftercare providers in developing educational services and transition plans for youth following their stay in state and local institutions for neglected or delinquent youth. It requires states to use part of their grant under part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) of title II of the ESEA to train teachers and principals to effectively engage families in their children's education. It establishes a new part E (Family Engagement in Education Programs) under title V of the ESEA requiring the Secretary of Education to provide funding to each state to establish a State Family Engagement Coordinating Council to assure coordination and integration of family engagement activities across the education spectrum. Authorizes the Secretary to award grants to:

(1) statewide nonprofit organizations to establish Statewide Family Engagement Centers to provide comprehensive training, technical assistance, and capacity building to states, LEAs, schools, and organizations that support family-school partnerships to assist parents in participating effectively in their children's education; and

(2) local nonprofit parent organizations to create Local Family Engagement Centers which are to be assessed on their ability to assist parents in overcoming barriers to engaging in their children's education. Directs the Secretary to issue rules that specify research-based metrics on family engagement in education for entities receiving this Act's funding. Requires that there be established in the Department of Education dedicated staff, including a Director, for family and community engagement within the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.

READ FULL Family Engagement in Education Act of 2010 OVERVIEW - Download PDF

If you or your organization require leadership training to facilitate the creation of Local Family Engagement Centers, engagement within your community accross all sectors and preliminary assessments, please contact Birth2Work via the contact page on our Birth2Work.org website.