Parents and LSC members partner with principals by learning the leadership team, reviewing the CIWP and school data, and fostering a welcoming school culture¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 1 claim (1 mixed) · 1 study (1 associational), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The playbook gives families and Local School Council members concrete actions: get to know the principal and full leadership team by asking about the school vision and how leadership teams contribute; learn the Continuous Improvement Work Plan (CIWP), a 3-year plan approved by the LSC that guides the budget; and work with principals to foster a welcoming school culture using tools such as the Family Engagement Lab reflection tool. It suggests asking "What is your vision for the school?" and reviewing data such as the principal's monthly LSC report, 5Essentials Surveys, ISBE report card, and To&Through data.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Access to the school's CIWP, leadership team contacts, and school data sources such as 5Essentials survey results and the ISBE report card.

Constraints¶

• The playbook uses the term parent per CPS's current LSC seat designation while recognizing families come in many constellations.

Target Learners¶

• parents and caregivers of K-12 students
• Local School Council members

Target Learning Goals¶

• understanding school improvement plans and data to support student learning and school culture

Claims¶

• Most LSCs are active in School Improvement Plan development, but fewer than a quarter are highly involved in the budget process [~W]

Related Strategies¶

• Use survey profiles, discussion questions, and the Details report to guide school improvement deliberations
• Families partner with schools on attendance and grades through belonging, collaborative support, and joint monitoring

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• UChicago Consortium on School Research. (2025). Family playbook: Effective principal leadership. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. https://consortium.uchicago.edu/events-and-resources