WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Reps. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) and Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) introduced H.R. 1194, the Family Engagement in Education Act, a bipartisan bill to provide resources for schools to improve family engagement in education.
“Parents and family members play a crucial role in helping students succeed in the classroom,” said Thompson. “I have said before that we must do everything possible to get parents out of the bleachers and back into the classroom.
“The future of American competitiveness and a student’s ability to succeed in life are dependent upon their education. Studies show that when parents are more involved, students’ achievements in school are significantly increased.”
“Education doesn’t stop at the end of the school day. Research shows that family engagement in a child’s learning experience increases student achievement, improves attendance, and reduces dropout rates,” said DeSaulnier.
“That’s why I am happy to join Congressman Thompson in introducing this bipartisan bill that would promote effective family engagement strategies where they are most needed. As we continue discussions around reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), this should be a serious part of the conversation.”
“National PTA firmly believes that family engagement is at the core of student success and school improvement,” said Otha Thornton, president of National PTA in a separate release.
“The association commends Representatives Glenn Thompson (R-PA) and Mark Desaulnier (D-CA) and Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Chris Coons (D-DE) for their bipartisan leadership and continued commitment to the importance of family engagement and family-school partnerships to ensure every child succeeds academically and reaches his or her full potential,” she added.
