Transformative Parent Leadership and School Engagement

COABE Journal, Instructional Practices and Learner Engagement (2019), pp. 72-78

Parents who participate in family literacy and family learning programs gain new skills and knowledge through Family Service Learning projects. They increase their social capital and self-efficacy, especially developing leadership and advocacy skills, when they focus on issues of concern and relevance on behalf of themselves and their children. A group of parents participating in a family literacy program in one of four schools in Detroit, Michigan, led by a parent, initiated an anti-bullying campaign in their children’s school. Through a series of family service action steps, the parents successfully engaged the school and community to address bullying and sustain anti-bullying practices with students, teachers, school administration, and family members.

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