Systemic FSCP for Schools

Introduction: An Evidence-Based School Improvement Strategy

Six decades of research show that family, school, and community partnerships (FSCP) are essential to student success and school improvement (Mapp & Henderson, 2022). Integrated family-school partnerships lead to improved student outcomes, such as: 

• grades and test scores, 

• better attendance and engagement, 

• more positive attitudes and behavior, 

• greater sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem, and 

• higher graduation rates and post-secondary attendance. 

Mapp and Henderson have found that for educators, mutually respectful partnerships lead to asset-based beliefs and mindsets about students and families, increased multicultural awareness and appreciation, more support from families, and stronger job satisfaction.

Families experience stronger parent-child relationships, better rapport with teachers and school staff, greater understanding of their child's progress and how to help, deeper skill in advocating for their child, and increased social connections. 

More welcoming and inclusive schools lead to more positive school climate, higher morale and greater retention of teachers, improved facilities, and a better reputation in and more support from the community (Epstein, 2019; Mapp & Henderson, 2022).