Family engagement is the participation of families in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication regarding students' learning and school activities. Families play an integral role in assisting their child's learning, 

This will include ensuring that "parents play an integral role in assisting their child's learning, be actively engaged in their child's education at school, and become full partners in their child's education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child."

Families have a major influence on their child's success in school and life. When schools, families and community groups work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer, and like school more.

Studies have found that students with engaged parents, no matter what their income or background, are more likely to:

• Earn high grades and test scores, and enroll in higher-level programs
• Pass their classes, earn credits, and be promoted
• Attend school regularly
• Graduate and go on to postsecondary education

Title I, Part A provides for substantive parental engagement at every level of the program, such as in the development and implementation of the State and local plan, and in carrying out the local educational agency (LEA) and school improvement provisions. Section 1116 contains the primary Title I, Part A requirements for state educational agencies (SEA), LEA's and schools related to engaging parents in their children's education. It is this section that identifies critical points in the process of improving teaching and learning where parents and the community can assist in school improvement. Although section 1116 is extensive in scope and has many requirements for LEA's and schools, the intent is not to be burdensome. These provisions reflect good practice in engaging families in helping to educate their children because students do better when parents are actively engaged in the education process, both at home and at school.