The goal of this research project is to develop evidence-based guidelines for Flemish schools to strengthen collaboration with parents in order to improve student learning outcomes and well-being. Although research shows that parental involvement—and home involvement in particular—has a positive impact on children’s school careers, there is still uncertainty about which forms of parent-school partnerships are most effective and under what conditions they can be sustained. Furthermore, existing initiatives often fail to reach vulnerable families sufficiently.
The research focuses on three central questions: (1) how effective collaboration with parents can be defined, (2) which forms of collaboration contribute to positive learning outcomes in different educational contexts and developmental stages, and (3) which success factors and preconditions are necessary to build sustainable partnerships between schools and parents, with particular attention to socioeconomic vulnerability.
To this end, a systematic literature review will be conducted, based on international and Dutch-language scientific studies, meta-analyses, and impact studies. The review will be supplemented by a Delphi study in which a multidisciplinary panel of experts will translate the research findings to the Flemish educational context and reach consensus on recommendations, practical examples, and implementation conditions.
The project resulted in a research report, a digital practical guide containing scientifically grounded building blocks for effective parent-school collaboration, and a self-assessment tool for schools. Through these outputs, the research aims to support schools in developing sustainable, inclusive, and reciprocal partnerships with parents that contribute to equal educational opportunities and improved academic performance.
