Change is a given in education. Over my career, which began in the classroom many moons ago, I’ve seen—again and again—how the best-intentioned changes in schools can create chaos when families aren’t brought along for the journey. I learned the hard way that even a joyful innovation can spark distress if parents are left in the dark. That lesson shaped my thinking forever about the central role of communication in family engagement—not just as a soft skill, but as an essential part of any change process in schools.  

What Happens When Families Aren’t Included?  

As a 5^th grade teacher,  my colleagues and I, convinced our traditional spelling routine was stifling our students’ curiosity, decided to shake things up. We did some research, and  designed an approach that empowered students as leaders by having them select spelling words drawn from across subjects, integrating curriculum and engaging in project-based learning long before the term became popular. Instead of the same boring spelling list for everyone, every week, we allowed a group of students—working in teams across three classrooms—to select words drawn from their science, social studies, and math texts. They could then choose from a menu of activities that all the students could do: crosswords, creative writing, alphabetizing, and more. The idea was that this initiative was helping students connect deeply with vocabulary, making words more meaningful by tying them to real content and offering more compelling, student-driven ways to learn and apply language.  

 Our students felt empowered, engaged, and connected. But, Parents, accustomed to Monday spelling lists and Friday quizzes, were caught off guard. Calls to the principal poured in. The problem wasn’t the innovation—it was our failure to bring families along. 

The Ripple Effect of Change—At Home  

Any school change–new curriculum, policies, or instructional shifts –doesn’t stay inside the building.  It ripples into homes and routines.   For so many families, their own educational experience becomes the yardstick by which they measure what’s happening with their children. When something feels different or unfamiliar in the classroom, it can be unsettling for everyone at home.  

What’s more, just sending home a note in a backpack, a robocall, text message, or even a single email isn’t enough in today’s world—especially when those messages are just one more thing for busy families to absorb. I learned that for a message to truly land, it needs to be clear, accessible, repeated, and reinforced across multiple channels. And, most importantly, it must invite families into a dialogue, not simply broadcast information at them.  

Building Strong Family Engagement: The PTHV Approach  

At Parent Teacher Home Visits, the nation’s leader in relational home visiting, we have always believed that authentic, trusting relationships between educators and families are the foundation for student success and school improvement. This belief is now backed by decades of research. But for those relationships to form and flourish, communication must be proactive, transparent, and two-way.  

Here are a five best practices that help schools bring families along:  

• Start Early, Explain “Why”  
  Communicate changes before they happen. Share the thinking behind them, connect to research or students’ needs, and make sure everyone hears how these changes will benefit all children.  

• Use Multiple Methods, and Repeat Often  
  No single communication channel reaches everyone. Families have diverse lives, languages, and information preferences. Use email, paper notes, text messages, social media, and—whenever possible—face-to-face conversations. Repeat key messages, knowing that hearing something once isn’t enough.  

• Make Space for Questions and Collaboration  
  Create real opportunities for families to ask questions, raise concerns, and help shape solutions. Whether it’s an open house, a webinar, small group meetings, or direct outreach from teachers, families need (and deserve) a voice.  

• Identify Credible Messengers  
  Sometimes, the best way to reach families is through their peers or known, trusted figures in the community. Lift up family leaders, and create opportunities for them to help explain new changes or approaches.  

• Celebrate the Wins—And Be Honest About the Journey  
  Share stories, updates, and evidence of what’s working. And when adjustments are needed, say so. Authenticity goes a long way toward building lasting trust.  

Moving Forward: Change as a Shared Journey  

If I could go back, I would have spent as much time planning how to talk with families as I did redesigning our spelling lessons. Change in schools isn’t just technical; it’s deeply relational and cultural. As Executive Director of PTHV, I bring that lesson—and a deep commitment to ongoing, holistic communication—into every project and partnership we undertake. When families are brought along—intentionally, meaningfully, and often—school changes don’t just stick, they flourish. The result? Better experiences for children, higher trust for schools, and a shared sense that we’re all in this, together. 

I’d love to hear from you: How have you seen communication with families make (or break) change in your school or community?