Family Engagement Month

 November Recognized as Family Engagement in Education Month

∙ Governor Ralph S. Northam, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. James F. Lane, and  the Virginia Board of Education recognize November as Family Engagement in  Education Month in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

∙ The Virginia Board of Education believes that families and schools working together can  create meaningful relationships that lead to significant gains in student achievement and  success.  

∙ Over 30 years of research clearly indicates all students achieve at higher levels when  schools and families support each other. 

∙ Research has shown that when schools and families are engaged in meaningful two-way  communication and collaboration students have: 

o More positive attitudes toward school 

o Higher grades and test scores, which equals higher achievement 

o Better attendance 

o More homework completed  

o Higher graduation rates  

o Greater enrollment in post-secondary education 

∙ Family Engagement in Education Month is an opportunity to recognize the importance of  families and schools and the work being done throughout the Commonwealth to ensure  that we work together to build better futures for all children. It is also an opportunity to  recognize that, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the operation of  our public and private schools, parents have had to take on a more direct role in the  education of their children.