Research cited by the Tennessee Department of Education opening remarks frames family engagement as one of the strongest predictors of academic success. District leaders described programs that move beyond one‑way communications and build reciprocal partnerships with families.

Megan Turnbow, ESL coordinator for Rutherford County Schools, described a multi‑pronged district approach that includes three ESL parent class locations that meet twice weekly and are staffed by ESL teachers paid from Title III funds. “Some of the parents even bring their children, you know, so it is a family event,” Turnbow said, and she noted that the district also partners with a local nonprofit, Working Mission, to expand class capacity.

Magda Sakon, manager for the office of multilingual learners with Memphis‑Shelby County Schools and Tennessee TESOL president, said her office requires one ESL family night per semester at every school and has established a multilingual parent advisory council to build engagement and problem‑solve with families. "We require 1 per semester per for every school," Sakon said, describing the district expectation for school‑level family events.

Other districts reported successful partnerships and tools: Metro Nashville Public Schools uses Connexion Americas to deliver parent partner classes and extended learning reading clubs; one district engages a Spanish‑language podcast and local media to reach families; Hamilton County operates an international welcome center to coordinate services and connect families with community resources.

Speakers stressed that family engagement must be culturally responsive and accessible—translated materials, bilingual staff, childcare at events and varied meeting times. Several said family liaisons who help register students, translate documents and connect families to services provide essential, daily operational support. The working group asked the department to include family engagement strategies in its forthcoming recommendations and to consider supports that districts can scale.