Family and Community Engagement

In Alabama, our schools are often the heart of the community. When we engage families and community partners intentionally and consistently, we strengthen not just schools—but entire communities. As public school educators, we are stewards of public trust. Families entrust us with their children and communities entrust us with public resources. That responsibility requires ongoing, authentic engagement

Engaging families  and communities across all divisions of the ALSDE is not optional—it is essential. Student success does not begin and end at the classroom door. It is shaped by families, neighborhoods, faith communities, businesses, and local partnerships. When we work in isolation, we limit impact. When we work in alignment, we multiply it.From reducing chronic absence to supporting academic interventions and student well-being, progress depends on alignment between school and home. Engagement across sections ensures our work reflects the voices of the people we serve.It allows us to listen before we lead and to respond meaningfully.

If we are serious about improving child well-being and academic outcomes, we must ensure that families are not just informed—but embraced and empowered. Strong community engagement also creates shared accountability. When families understand the “why” behind our work, they become advocates for it—and partners in sustaining it.

ALSDE Family and Community Resources 

The ALSDE is currently crafting a brand new cross-sectional Family and Community Engagement Handbook.   We look forward to sharing it with you soon!  Here are other resources you might find helpful in the meantime.  

• Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) - Parent and Family Engagement Website for Literacy 

• Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI)

  • Early Numeracy Calendars (preK/Kindergarten)

• Book Reviews to promote cross-curricular connections at school and home - K-12 math and science

• Math at Home: Easy Tips for Families

• Talk about Math

• K-2 Math Student & Family Success Guides

• 3-5 Math Student & Family Success Guides

• 6-8 Math Student & Family Success Guides

• 9-12 Math Student & Family Success Guides

• K-12 Science Preparing Students for a Lifetime of Success

• Remote/At Home math learning resources by grade level 

• English Learners - ESL Parent Resources 

• Office of Math Improvement (OMI) - Community and Family Engagement

• Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) - A Family Guide

A Guide for Families: Helping Your Child Succeed in School

Free to view and/or print, this guide includes easy-to-follow parenting practices that help children learn at each age and stage, as well as ways to develop a great relationship with your children’s schools. It is also packed with research-based and field-tested tips to help you understand state learning standards and how to prepare your child for college and/or a career.

Available in Spanish: Una Guia Para Padres de Familia (pdf)         

If you have any questions, suggestions, or additional content to add, please contact Dr. Melissa Shields, mshields@alsde.edu.