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).

A Trail Map for Colorado Schools

FSCP is a "must-have" for schools, rather than a "nice-to-have." It is not a goal, but a strategy. One that schools are often told in policy that they must do, with little guidance on the how. The Office of Family, School, and Community Partnerships at CDE has used the foundational research of Joyce Epstein (2019) to create the FSCP Trail Map for Colorado Schools. This trail map includes four steps for implementing sustainable and systemic family, school, and community partnerships: Form a Team, Follow a Framework, Write and Implement a Plan, and Evaluate the Outcomes. By following these four steps with fidelity, schools will be on the path of impactful partnerships and students, families, schools, and communities will reap the many rewards that come from this essential strategy.

Explore the steps below to get started.

Step 1: Form a Team

Step 2: Follow a Framework

Step 3: Write and Implement a Plan

Step 4: Evaluate the Outcomes

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For questions, contact Jes Stroope at Stroope_J@cde.state.co.us or 720-682-8844.