Course

Foundations of Family Engagement in Education (EDFN 492/592) Fall 2026

Aug 24, 2026 - Dec 7, 2026
45 points

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Full course description

Course Description

Family engagement is essential to student success at every stage of learning. This course introduces participants to the foundational beliefs and research behind effective family engagement and explores why strong school–family partnerships matter for students, families, and educators. Grounded in more than 50 years of research, the course emphasizes relationship‑building, shared responsibility, and practices that make schools welcoming and family‑friendly.

Course Outcome

 

  • Participants will gain an understanding of the basics of family engagement based on the core beliefs of family engagement.
  • Participants will gain an understanding of research-based family engagement strategies they can incorporate into their classrooms and school buildings.
  • Participants will reflect on family engagement practices in their classroom, school, district, or organization.
  • Participants will interview school staff and families for family engagement practices. 
  • Participants will create a preliminary plan that supports family engagement in their school or district.

Course Dates & Location

August 24, 2026-Dec 7, 2026; Online, asynchronous. This self-paced course will be hosted in Canvas. 

Enrollment Options

All students must enroll in this Canvas course even if they choose to take it for undergraduate or graduate credit through the University of South Dakota (USD)! Those taking this course for 45 CECH/CEU only need to register with Canvas. Those wishing to take this course for three graded college credits must also register and pay with USD. Links to enroll and pay are below:

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