Parent engagement is one of the most powerful factors influencing student success and wellbeing. But what does it really mean to engage parents? And how can schools build meaningful partnerships with families in a way that has a lasting impact?
The answer lies in connection. Research consistently shows that when parents and schools work together, the benefits are profound – students have higher grades, stronger wellbeing, and greater resilience1. Around the world, schools are finding ways to bring families into their child’s learning journey, and the results speak for themselves.
“Students feel supported and affirmed when they have two important figures in their life – their teacher and their parents – invested and interested in what they’re learning.”
– Dr Linda Willis, Senior Lecturer, Griffith University
The true impact of parent engagement
The EPIC: Engaging Parents in Curriculum1 project – a three-year study led by Griffith University in collaboration with Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) and the Queensland Independent Schools Parents Network (QISPN) – explored how parent engagement influences student outcomes and wellbeing. The findings were clear:
- Engaged parents drive academic performance: Students with actively involved families were more likely to achieve higher grades, with some studies linking engagement to a full grade point improvement.
- Wellbeing is strengthened: Students in engaged school communities report lower stress levels and greater confidence.
- Social skills flourish: Engagement creates a sense of belonging, helping students build stronger relationships within their school community.
These results reinforce what educators see every day – when families and schools work together, children are better equipped to succeed.
Breaking down the barriers to engagement
Of course, creating these partnerships isn’t always easy. Many schools face significant challenges when it comes to engagement.
The EPIC study identified several common barriers:
- Time constraints: Busy schedules often leave families with little time to attend school events or meetings.
- Communication gaps: Inconsistent or unclear messaging can make parents feel disconnected.
- Accessibility issues: Traditional approaches to engagement, like in-person meetings, don’t always work for every family.
But here’s the good news: even small changes can have a big impact. Schools that focus on strategies like improving communication or offering flexible ways for families to participate often see significant improvements2.
Strategies that make a difference:
- Strong leadership: Engagement is most effective when school leaders make it a priority and embed it into the school’s culture.
- Collaborative spaces: Physical or virtual spaces for sharing ideas build trust and connection.
- Flexible participation options: Hybrid events, online communication, and real-time updates allow families to stay involved on their terms.
These practical steps help schools create an environment where parents feel welcomed, valued, and ready to contribute.
Insights from ISQ workshops
Workshops conducted during the EPIC study gave schools a chance to explore new strategies to improve engagement. These sessions highlighted some of the most practical and effective approaches, including1:
- Parent Engagement Leadership Teams (PELTs): These teams bring together school leaders, teachers, and parents to to trial strategies, implement initiatives, and evaluate progress, ensuring parent engagement is a sustainable and active part of school life.
- Cogenerative dialogues: Open conversations involving parents, teachers, and students help create mutual understanding and shared goals.
- Including the parent voice: Asking parents for their perspectives – rather than simply presenting information – fosters a real sense of collaboration.
“Anything we can do as a school to invite parents in as participants, rather than as consumers, can strengthen the learning opportunities for them and therefore for their child.”
– Dr Linda Evans, Director of Professional Learning, Fairholme College
The workshops showed that even small, intentional changes, like including parents in planning and decision-making, can significantly strengthen these relationships.
How technology is transforming parent engagement
Technology is becoming an essential part of how schools and families stay connected. Tools like Compass’ parent app make engagement easier, removing common barriers and helping schools build meaningful relationships with families.
The app provides direct notifications, centralised calendars, and transparent progress reports, ensuring parents can access updates on attendance, student performance, and upcoming events. Families can stay actively involved in their child’s education, even on the busiest days.
How the app is making a difference:
- 80% of parents use it regularly to communicate with their school.
- Parents log in an average of 2.4 times per week, showing Compass is a reliable and convenient way to stay connected.
“We have seen first-hand how parent engagement transforms teacher, parent, and student wellbeing. Trust, open communication, and respect between home and school mean that when rocky times happen, there’s a solid relationship from which to springboard.”
– Dr Linda Willis, Senior Lecturer, Griffith University
Parent engagement with Compass: Building stronger school communities
Parent engagement is vital to thriving school communities. When families and educators collaborate, students achieve more and feel supported. Building these connections takes more than effort – it requires tools that make communication seamless. Compass provides exactly that.
Key tools for engagement include:
- Mobile app: Provides parents with easy access to updates, attendance records, payment details, and semester reports – anytime, anywhere.
- News Feed: Centralises announcements, event updates, and term dates, ensuring parents never miss a thing.
- Attendance notes and Chronicle updates: Enables parents to log attendance and receive real-time behaviour or wellbeing updates.
- Parent Teacher Conferences: Streamlines meeting bookings, making it simple to connect with teachers.
Better engagement starts here – let’s make it happen.
Every school approaches engagement differently, but the goal is always the same – building strong connections that help every child thrive. Whether it’s strengthening communication with families, making it easier for parents to stay involved, or creating a more connected school community, Compass is here to help.
Let’s chat about what that could look like for your school.
