FROM INVOLVEMENT TO ENGAGEMENT: WHY PARENTS ARE KEY PARTNERS IN THEIR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION
by Jacqui Van de Velde
Understanding the Difference: Involvement vs Engagement
In Australia’s schools, the terms “parental involvement” and “parent engagement” are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinctly different approaches to supporting children’s education.
Parental involvement typically refers to parents participating in school-led activities, attending assemblies, volunteering at events, or helping with homework as directed by educators. While valuable, involvement is often reactive and school-initiated, with parents responding to invitations or requests.
Parent engagement, on the other hand, is a proactive, collaborative partnership between families and schools. It means parents are actively interested in and contributing to their child’s learning, both at home and in partnership with educators. Engagement is about two-way communication, shared decision-making, and recognising parents as experts on their own children.
Why Engagement Matters More: The Evidence
Research consistently shows that parent engagement has a far greater impact on student outcomes than involvement alone. When parents are engaged, discussing learning at home, fostering high aspirations, and collaborating with educators, students achieve higher academic results, have better attendance, and enjoy improved wellbeing.
Australian studies highlight that home-based engagement, such as reading together or talking about schoolwork, is especially powerful. These actions help children develop motivation, self-regulation, and a positive attitude towards learning. Importantly, engagement is particularly beneficial in communities facing disadvantage, helping to close achievement gaps and promote equity.
Engagement in Action: Practical Strategies
How can families and schools move from involvement to engagement?
Here are some evidence-based strategies:
At Home
- Show interest in learning: Ask your child about what they’re learning, not just their grades.
- Create a supportive environment: Set aside time and space for reading, homework, and creative activities.
- Foster high aspirations: Encourage your child to set goals and celebrate their efforts.
In Partnership with Schools
- Two-way communication: Engage in open discussions with educators about your child’s progress and learning needs.
- Collaborative decision-making: Join school committees or advisory boards to help shape school policies and programs.
- Share insights: Let educators know about your child’s interests, strengths, and challenges to tailor learning approaches.
For Schools
- Build relationships: Create welcoming environments where all families feel valued and included.
- Recognise diversity: Tailor engagement strategies to reflect the cultural and social backgrounds of families.
- Empower parents: Provide resources and workshops to help parents support learning at home.
The Australian Framework: A Holistic Approach
Australian frameworks, such as the Family-School Partnerships Framework and Queensland’s Parent and Community Engagement Framework, emphasise that engagement is about shared responsibility and mutual respect. They encourage schools to see families as partners, not just helpers, and to create opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
The Catholic education sector echoes this, highlighting that engagement is about parents taking an active role in their child’s learning journey, both at home and in partnership with the school. This approach is inclusive, recognising that all families, regardless of background, can contribute to their child’s success.
Why Engagement Is a Step Up
The shift from involvement to engagement is about agency and initiative. Involvement is often school-driven and limited to set activities. Engagement, however, is proactive and ongoing, with parents and educators working together to co-create learning experiences and support children’s growth.
Parent engagement is a powerful, proactive step up from traditional involvement. By building genuine partnerships between families and schools, we can unlock every child’s potential and create stronger, more equitable educational communities. The evidence is clear: when parents are engaged, everyone benefits.
Jacqui Van de Velde
Jacqui brings over 30 years of experience in education, wellbeing, mental health, and community engagement, spanning both professional and volunteer roles. Her work has taken her across diverse contexts in Australia, and internationally where she has contributed to business, education, and community initiatives. Jacqui is a passionate trainer, speaker, and advocate, dedicated to fostering parent and family engagement, driving positive growth outcomes in education, and supporting professional learning networks and continuing education in the workplace. Her expertise also extends to wellbeing, veteran health, and advocacy, where she works to create meaningful change.
References
- Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership. (2024). Strengthening Parent Engagement to Improve Student Outcomes. Link
- Australian Government Department of Education. (2024). Factsheet: Parent Engagement in Learning. Link
- Education Endowment Foundation. (2024). Parental Engagement: Teaching and Learning Toolkit. Link
- Queensland Department of Education. (2024). Parents and Carers: Community Engagement. Link
- Boonk, L., Gijselaers, H.J.M., Ritzen, H., & Brand-Gruwel, S. (2018). A review of the relationship between parental involvement indicators and academic achievement. Link
- Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2024). Parental Involvement vs. Parental Engagement. Link
- Parents for Public Schools. (2024). Family Involvement vs. Family Engagement: What’s the Difference? Link
- Learning Village. (2024). Involvement vs. Engagement. Link
- Catholic Council for School Parents. (2024). What is Parent Engagement? Link
