ncpie.org News

Statement by Anne T. Henderson, Senior Consultant Community Organizing and Engagement, Annenberg Institute for School Reform Before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions

April 22, 2010

The evidence is clear -- schools cannot close the achievement gap without partnering with families. Over 40 years of research has demonstrated that engaging families in their children's education improves student achievement, attendance, and behavior, and increases graduation rates.

1. Children spend 70 percent of their waking hours outside of school, and how they spend that time is critical to their success in school.
2. Modest investments in increasing families' knowledge and skills to support learning can leverage our larger investment in teacher quality and school improvement

Senate Testimony Opening Statement
Senate Testimony Executive Summary
Senate Testimony Full Text