Family Engagement and Education: A Research Scan and Recommendations

In December 2012, the Education Program of the Heinz Endowments funded AISR to conduct a scan of parent-led, community-based school reform efforts in Pittsburgh. AISR staff conducted interviews and focus groups with community-based organizations, parents, and Pittsburgh Public School representatives and found that while there is high interest from parents and community organizations, there was little capacity to build and sustain this work locally. This report reveals their findings and has served as a guide to the foundation to ensure that future grants are responsive to the communities’ needs and expanded parent-driven efforts already underway.