We Address a Variety of Student and School Improvement Efforts

The relationship between educators and historically underserved families is core to Family Engagement Lab’s approach. We provide a family engagement tool, FASTalk, and we help build the capacity of schools and systems to foster the beliefs, values, and behaviors that allow for authentic family engagement to thrive. ​These strong school-family partnerships are central to supporting student and school improvement.

​Curb Learning Loss by Reinforcing Classroom Learning At Home

Family Engagement Lab is a leader at the intersection of equitable family engagement and high-quality curriculum. 

FASTalk supports high-quality instructional materials, with preschool - 8th grade content that includes English Language Arts and Mathematics core curricula, Common Core ELA Standards, & SEL resources.

Curricula List

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​Advance Academic Achievement for English Learners (ELs)

Family Engagement Lab is proud to work with states, districts, and schools to change the trajectory of opportunity for English Learners (ELs) so that all students can reach their full potential. When EL families are engaged as true partners and recognized for their depth of knowledge and dedication, benefits for their children and the community are widespread. 

FASTalk was designed and developed to support EL families:

• All families are warmly invited to engage in learning in their home language. 
• SMS messages with learning activities translate into 100+ languages, bridging two-way communication between school and home.
• Students experience literacy gains, especially when parents do not share a home language with the teacher.

Support for English Learners

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​Promote Equity and Inclusion Through Family Engagement

Family Engagement Lab has gained key insights on effective family engagement practices for diverse communities. First, we have experience evaluating the readiness to engage in authentic practices that foster parent-teacher partnerships focused on learning. Second, we have experience designing and developing effective family engagement tools and outreach that is responsive to distinct community needs.

In addition, the FASTalk family engagement tool was designed to be easily accessible for a range of families. With FASTalk:

• Families are automatically enrolled to receive guidance to support their child’s learning by text message, no involved sign-up procedure is needed.
• Any caregiver with access to a cell phone can engage. No computer or internet connection required.
• Messages are pre-scheduled for busy teachers and model inclusive communication.

Learn More about FASTalk

​Build Capacity for Teachers and Administrators to Engage Families

We help states, districts, and school leaders build capacity to support relationship building with families and caregivers. We provide easy planning tools for family engagement, and help educators and staff establish effective practice to strengthen the classroom to home learning connection.

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​Create a Foundation for Success Starting in Early Childhood

By building parents’ knowledge of learning strategies and reinforcing that parents are essential partners in supporting learning early on, FASTalk initiates patterns of parental behaviors that endure to promote long-term positive student outcomes. Longitudinal research shows that the benefits of early, strong family engagement persist in high school and beyond.

See the Research

Strengthen Students’ Social and Emotional Learning Skills

FASTalk text messages provide easy, actionable strategies that help families support their child’s development of key social and emotional skills. In addition to skill-building tips and activities, FASTalk messages are designed to prompt moments of meaningful connection between parents and their children, helping to build strong relationships and reinforce responsive parenting practices. 

Support Special Education

FASTalk helps families support their children’s individualized learning needs by providing quick tips, activities, and conversation starters that can serve as a jumping off point to engage their children in the topics and concepts covered in the classroom. FASTalk’s 2-way messaging also facilitates the ability for families and teachers to regularly communicate and collaborate to support students’ unique learning needs.

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​student and school improvement efforts?

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