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The Engagement Advantage
Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study of Family-School Partnerships
Recent research reinforces why family engagement is critical to school improvement.
Released in 2026, A new report by Learning Heroes, in partnership with TNTP and Dr. Karen Mapp, The Engagement Advantage: Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study of Family-School Partnerships, authored by Dr. Eyal Bergman and Dr. Zenzile Riddick, sheds light on why family engagement is such a powerful driver of student outcomes.
The new findings draw on a multiyear study examining schools that are achieving stronger-than-expected post-pandemic attendance and student outcomes. Drawing from a survey of over 3,000 schools and over 100 interviews with educators, school leaders, and families, the research highlights what distinguishes “Bright Spot” schools that are beating the odds. The research compares these “Bright Spot” schools with otherwise similar schools in the same communities.
One of the central findings: Family engagement had a larger effect size on chronic absenteeism than poverty.
At a moment when evidence-backed solutions are urgently needed to drive student achievement, the report provides empirical evidence about the practices that actually make a difference and lays the groundwork for states and districts to re-create those conditions for more students.