Research-based tools for preparing educators to engage families
HGSE's Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP)

Despite evidence that family involvement can make a positive difference in students' achievement, our own and others' research shows that educators frequently receive little preparation in how to engage families. In 2000, Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) launched the Family Involvement Network of Educators (FINE) to build the capacity of educators to partner with families and communities. FINE is a community of over 6,000 educators, researchers, and practitioners who are interested in strengthening family, school, and community partnerships. Members have access to the latest and best information about family involvement, receive monthly updates of new resources, exchange ideas and insights, and learn about assessment methods for continuous improvement in family involvement practice. Among FINE's many resources are training materials such as teaching cases and workshops. There is no cost to become a FINE member.

<visit the FINE website>

In 2005, HFRP published a book containing a series of research-based teaching cases stemming from our own and others' studies of low-income children. These cases are paired with theoretical perspectives in the book Preparing Educators to Involve Families in order to encourage the integration of family involvement in the preparation of teachers and school administrators. Based on real-life situations, these teaching cases are written narratives of dilemmas requiring resolution. The case method of instruction aims to foster reflection and problem-solving skills among educators.

<learn more about the book>