Easy-to-implement strategies and resources for building meaningful connections between schools, families, and communities

50 Strategies for Family Engagement and Reducing Absenteeism is an innovative resource designed for educators seeking to support students and their families. Presented in the familiar 50 Strategies format and helpfully organized into categories like home–school communication, welcoming families into the building, and building community, this guide provides teachers with 50 actionable strategies honed from research and real-world classroom success. Each of the 50 strategies can be adapted across PK–12 grade levels.

Meaningful family partnerships support student learning and are an important level for reducing chronic absenteeism in schools. This book helps educators create shared learning ecosystems with practical strategies and real-world examples. Rather than treating family engagement as a series of isolated events, the strategies empower teachers to promote ongoing partnerships that keep kids in school.

With this book, you can:

• Choose the strategies that fit into your busy schedule
• Make a difference right away with resources like tracking sheets and family communication tools
• Create learning environments that connect school learning with their students’ lives
• Balance communication with academics, so students are present and learning
• Help students, families, and communities thrive—all while supporting student achievement

As a part of the 50 Strategies series from Shell Education, this book is user-friendly, enabling educators to effortlessly navigate and cherry-pick strategies that align seamlessly with their classroom dynamics. Crafted with the busy teacher in mind, the full series of books is easily implementable, encouraging a dynamic and engaging learning environment without the overwhelming prep time.

Written by award-winning educator Melissa A. Thompson, 50 Strategies for Family Engagement and Reducing Absenteeism is a valuable toolkit for strengthening school-family partnerships, increasing parent engagement, supporting attendance improvement, and ensuring that families are active partners in academic success, social-emotional development, and long-term student achievement.